As the rainy season persists in Huntington, records of accidents and wrecks are being reported. Despite the weather, many drivers are still not being careful. Rain is another major cause of motor vehicle accidents, apart from the common causes like DUI and distracted driving.
Weather conditions are a major cause of vehicle collisions in Huntington and across the nation. “Poor weather conditions can impair the driver’s ability to control the vehicle’s traction, stability, and overall maneuverability,” says truck accident lawyer Jan Dils of Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law. Let us look at the different ways rain causes accidents in Huntington and how drivers can protect themselves.
Rain Reduces Visibility, and Using Wipers to Enhance Visibility Can Also Cause Distractions
One significant way rain causes accidents is that it makes seeing the road ahead and other vehicles difficult for drivers. With the rain decreasing visibility, drivers cannot discern the distance from other vehicles, causing a delay in their reaction time. When drivers cannot or do not apply the brake promptly, a potentially dangerous situation is already created.
As the rain pours, the windshield becomes hazy and blurred while the windows become too foggy. Water splashes on the windshield, reducing visibility and increasing the chances of drivers crashing into one another.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning refers to the condition where water builds up between the road and the vehicle’s wheels. As such, the vehicle rides above the water surface like a boat, resulting in loss of friction and the vehicle sliding uncontrollably. Hydroplaning is another significant factor that contributes to the hazards of driving in the rain caused by an accumulation of rainwater on the road.
Wet and Slippery Roads Can Decrease Traction and Make Navigating More Difficult
When it rains, the ground is naturally wet and slippery, decreasing tire traction and maneuverability. With water already built up on the road, maintaining optimal vehicle control is even more difficult.
As a result, vehicles slide and skid, and some vehicles may discharge oil, creating a greasy surface. All of these can contribute to the difficulty of maintaining traction, adversely affecting a driver’s ability to brake or turn. The condition of the road before the rain matters little, as even the best roads can become slippery.
Knowing What to Do While Driving In the Rain: How Can You Protect Yourself and Prevent a Rain Crash?
The best way to prevent a rain vehicle crash in Huntington is to not drive in the rain at all. However, sometimes, you may not have a choice, which is why being proactive and maintaining caution is essential. Here are tips to help you protect yourself when driving in the rain in Huntington:
- Do not speed
The faster you drive in the rain, the harder it will be to control your vehicle, especially on a wet and slippery road. Therefore, you want to maintain the right speed, driving at a slower speed than you usually would. You may get to your destination a little late, but you’d have avoided an accident.
- Ensure your windshield wiper is working.
Ensuring maximum visibility on the road during a rainstorm in Huntington is essential. Therefore, ensure your headlights and windshield wipers are in optimal condition, as they increase your ability to see clearly. Also, ensure your defrosters are on to clear your fogged-up windows and increase your ability to see clearly.
- Do not break suddenly.
Avoid braking too hard and too quickly when driving in the rain unless you absolutely have to. This can cause your tires to lose traction, the vehicle to skid, and you to have trouble controlling it. If your vehicle does skid, do not panic; gently but firmly steer the vehicle into the desired traction.
Conclusion
You may wonder why you need to know how rain causes accidents, especially if you are already a master at driving in the rain. However, this knowledge is not just for your safety but also for the safety of other road users you encounter. Moreover, even if you can guarantee your own caution and safe driving skills, you cannot say the same for other drivers.
Source: Jan Dils Attorney, Huntington
