4 Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain

Regardless of road conditions, drivers face a variety of risks every day. Driving in the rain can be both frustrating and dangerous. According to statistics from the US Department of Transportation, over 950,000 crashes occur every year due to wet roads. These crashes result in over 384,000 injuries and 4,700 deaths, most of which could be avoided by driving carefully. Below are tips on how to drive safely in the rain:

Stay Visible

One of the biggest risks of driving in the rain is decreased visibility. The sky often darkens and, mixed with the rain, it could be difficult for drivers to see other drivers. Turning on the headlights could greatly improve visibility from both the back and the front of the vehicle, making it much easier to see other cars and making it easier to be seen by other cars. This small step could greatly decrease the chances of a crash. 

Keep a Good Distance

Rain, combined with oil left behind from other cars, can make for a slippery situation that can cause accidents. Braking in rainy conditions is challenging for a variety of reasons. A slight slip up could easily cause an accident. When driving in the rain, it is important that a driver keep a safe distance from other cars on the road – about two cars’ worth of space. This way, if braking is difficult, the odds of hitting another car are significantly reduced. 

Observe the Speed Limit

Speeding is always dangerous, but becomes even more dangerous when driving in rainy conditions. When someone speeds in the rain, the grip between the tires and the road is significantly affected. Moving too quickly could cause the vehicle to hydroplane. This loss of control could very easily cause a crash. Speed limits are in place to ensure safety in ideal driving situations. In rainy conditions, it pays to slow down.

Avoid Unnecessary Driving

Of course, a surefire way of avoiding an accident is simply not driving.  Driving in the rain is never an ideal situation but in many cases, it must be done. In cases where driving can be avoided, it definitely should be. Simply waiting out the rain or rescheduling an event could eliminate the dangers of driving in the rain. Before driving in the rain, consider if it is necessary or worthwhile. If it is, take care to employ the utmost safety. Otherwise, just wait it out. 

Thousands of accidents occur on rainy roads every year, accidents that often lead to severe injury or death. While driving in the rain is not idea, accidents could and should be avoided. If you or a loved one has been injured or if you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, contact a personal injury lawyer who could help. Contact the Law Offices of Berger Lagnese & Paul, LLC today by calling 412-471-4300 or contact online to schedule your case consultation.