Did you know that rain, which we are experiencing in buckets throughout Bucks County at the moment, causes more accidents than you may think ?
The extreme seasonal weather conditions that rattles drivers’ nerves – sleet, ice, snow, and fog – is not the biggest weather-related threat on the nation’s roadways in terms of crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
The vast majority of weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement and during rainfall: 70% on wet pavement and 46% during rainfall.
Wet roads and poor visibility can greatly increase your risk of a crash. In fact, according to AAA, wet roads contribute to as many as 1.2 million traffic accidents each year. Wet conditions make it more difficult for drivers to identify and respond to standing water, downed branches and other hazards.
To reduce your risk of a rain-related accident, follow these safety tips:
Simply Slow Down
Driving too fast on wet roads increases your risk of a crash, especially if you hit standing water or lose traction. It is important to understand that the posted speed limits may no longer apply in bad weather, and a careful driver will travel at slower speeds on slick roads.
Use Your Headlights
It can be easy to forget to turn your lights on when a shower pops up, especially when turning your lights on does not seem to help improve your visibility. However, turning your lights on does make your car more visible to other drivers. It can be difficult to spot other vehicles in the often bleak conditions brought on by wet weather. This is especially true for older drivers or those who are not familiar with the area.
Avoid Driving in the Dark
When possible, avoid nighttime driving during the rain. When it rains at night, it is much more difficult to spot pedestrians, animals, debris on the road, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and other possible hazards.
Avoid Standing Water
Never drive through standing water that appears higher than your engine block. Not only could a current from a flooded creek or river wash your car off the road, water can seep into your engine and stall you out, causing electrical problems
Know Hydroplaning Risks
By understanding when hydroplaning occurs, you can greatly reduce your risk. To cut down on your chances of hydroplaning:
- Choose tires with tread designed to prevent hydroplaning – Bald tires contribute to your risk
- Never use cruise control in slick conditions – This makes it more difficult to regain control
- Drive in the middle lane when possible – Runoff tends to collect on the right and left sides of the road
React Properly If You Do Hydroplane
While avoiding a situation where you hydroplane is the best option, it is not always possible. If you do feel your tires lose traction, immediately take your foot off of the gas pedal. Do not, however, slam on the brakes. Instead, gently steer into the spin and wait to feel your tires get traction again. In most cases, this takes only seconds and you can regain control of your car.
If you are in a rain related accident:
Cordisco & Saile is committed to driver safety. We help accident victims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey pursue compensation from an at-fault driver if another driver is to blame for the accident. Contact our office at 215-515-0776 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
