Light rain can increase the risk of fatal car accidents. Following these precautions can help keep yourself safe when driving in the rain.
We all know that rainy days can be a pain. From dealing with wet clothes, bad hair, and puddles everywhere you step. However, this is nothing compared to the danger light rain poses on the road. That’s right – even light can cause major problems for drivers.
In what ways are light showers dangerous and are there some precautions we can take?
5 Ways Light Showers Cause Big Problems on the Road
Reduced Visibility
When it’s raining, everything outside is wet, including your windshield. Water molecules are attracted to each other, so when they hit your windshield they tend to form little pockets of water. This reduces your visibility and makes it more difficult to see what’s ahead of you. And since you can’t see where you’re going, it’s more likely that you’ll get into an accident.
Slippery Roads
With rain, even if they’re light showers comes the risk of slippery roads. When water mixes with the oil and grease on the road, it creates a slick surface that can be very dangerous to drive on. This is especially true if you’re driving on an incline or a curve. In these cases, your tires can lose traction and you can lose control of your car.
Debris on the Road
The rainwater from light showers can wash away rocks, branches, and trash from the side of the road and into your path. If you hit one of these things, it can damage your car or even cause you to lose control. To worsen the situation, you could even hit a pedestrian or an animal that’s trying to cross the road.
Puddles
While it may seem harmless to drive through a puddle, it can actually be very dangerous. A deep puddle could damage your engine or even cause your car to stall. Additionally, when you drive through a puddle, the water can splash up and onto your windshield, making it even more difficult to see.
Hydroplaning
Imagine driving but feeling like your car is floating on the water. That’s what hydroplaning is, and it can be very dangerous. When you hydroplane, your tires lose contact with the road and you can lose control of your car, leading to a serious accident.
Precautions You Can Take
While all of these risks are serious, there are some precautions you can take to help keep yourself safe. Here are some of them:
Slow Down
This one is pretty simple, but it’s also very important. When the roads are wet, it takes longer for your car to stop. So, if you’re driving too fast and need to brake suddenly, you could slip and slide right into an accident. To avoid this, slow down and give yourself extra time to brake.
Increase Following Distance
Another way to give yourself extra time to brake is by increasing your following distance. When the roads are wet, it takes longer for your car to stop. So, if you’re driving too close to the car in front of you and they have to brake suddenly, you could rear-end them. To avoid this, increase your following distance and give yourself extra time to brake.
Don’t Use Cruise Control
In general, it’s not a good idea to use cruise control in bad weather. However, it’s especially dangerous to use in the rain. If you hydroplane, your car will continue accelerating even if you’re not pressing the gas pedal. So, it’s best to avoid using cruise control altogether when it’s raining.
Don’t Drive Through Large Puddles
Resist the urge to drive through that large puddle. Not only could you damage your car, but you could also splash water onto other drivers, making it difficult for them to see. Plus, if the puddle is deep enough, it could cause your car to stall.
Be Extra Cautious on Bridges
Bridges tend to be more slippery than other parts of the road. So, it’s important to be extra cautious when driving on them.
Turn on Your Headlights
Headlights aren’t just for night driving. When it’s raining, they can help you see better and they can also help other drivers see you.
Following these precautions can help keep yourself safe when driving in the rain. However, even if you’re being careful, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced St. Louis car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have 25 years of experience protecting the rights of injured car accident victims and can do the same for you. Give us a call 24/7 to discuss your case.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
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