Champions For Injured Pennsylvanians

Wet weather and driver safety

On Behalf of | Sep 28, 2018 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Any type of inclement weather, including wind and rain, can increase your chances of being in an accident. In fact, wet roads are behind more than one million car accidents every year.

To protect yourself and your family, as well as other drivers on the road, here are some driving tips you should commit to memory for the next time it rains:

1. Make sure that your car is in good condition.

Your brakes and your tires are particularly important during wet weather, so stay on top of issues like worn brake pads and old tires. Check your tire pressure weekly. Properly inflated tires hold traction better on wet roads. Also, check your headlights to make sure that they’re working.

2. Eliminate as many distractions as possible.

When it’s raining, you need your undivided attention to be on the road. Turn off the radio and put your phone where you won’t be tempted to glance at it. Ask passengers to stay quiet until you’re at your destination or somewhere you feel more comfortable driving.

3. Be conscious of wind hazards.

Heavy winds often accompany rain. You need to be careful of areas where the wind is especially strong. Open highways and overpasses can be vulnerable areas. Pay attention to trucks and SUVs nearby. Their drivers may have difficulty staying in control, so steer clear and keep your hands firmly on your steering wheel.

4. Give other vehicles a little more space.

In general, it pays to slow down when it is raining and simply give other cars more space. Leave a bigger gap than normal between your vehicle and whatever vehicle is directly ahead. If the other vehicle loses control or makes a sudden stop, you’ll have extra time to get to a stop — which is needed on any wet surface.

Despite your precautions, it’s always possible that you’ll end up in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. If that happens, you may be able to recover your damages through a personal injury claim.

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