5 Safe Driving Tips for Rainy Days
When you get behind the wheel, you want to be as safe as possible. Ensuring your safety and that of your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians around you, is of utmost importance. Wet weather can reduce visibility, cause hydroplaning, and increase stopping distance, making it a serious challenge for drivers. However, with some careful planning and attention, it is possible to navigate wet weather conditions safely.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some recommendations for driving carefully during wet weather — something especially important for drivers here in the rainy Pacific Northwest! These tips will help you stay safe on the road and protect others. Let’s get started!
5 tips for avoiding car accidents during wet weather:
1. Increase visibility
First things first, turn on your headlights when it’s raining — even in the daylight. This can help you see better and allow other drivers and pedestrians to see your vehicle as well. Additionally, using your headlights is essential whenever you’re using your windshield wipers.
2. Be aware of your surroundings
Maintain a safe distance between cars to avoid hitting the car in front of you, and be extra careful while merging into a different lane. You want to use common sense at all times and be cautious so as to avoid a potential crash while merging. Always use your defensive driving skills.
It’s also crucial to care for pedestrians while driving in wet weather conditions as their safety is at a higher risk in such circumstances. Heavy rain can reduce visibility, making it difficult to spot pedestrians, and slippery roads can cause a car to skid or lose control, endangering pedestrians nearby. It’s important to drive slowly and attentively, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
3. Avoid hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is a huge problem that often occurs in the rain. This is when your tires lose traction with the road because there is too much water flooding the pavement. It can lead to your vehicle sliding and you losing control of it. To be safer, slow down to no faster than 30 miles per hour. If you do begin to hydroplane, ease your foot off the gas pedal and steer straight until you regain control of your car.
4. Be patient
Slow down whenever it’s raining. While you might be tempted to travel the speed limit, it’s better to go more slowly in wet, slick conditions.
Turn off your car’s cruise control as it might lead to problems in rainy weather. Cruise control can cause your vehicle to travel at a faster speed than is safe and can have the effect of reducing your attention on your speed.
Finally, if it’s raining heavily and you can’t properly see out your windshield or you simply don’t feel confident, it’s best to pull over and wait for the weather to improve. There’s no reason to jeopardize your or others’ lives!
5. Keep your car in good condition
Driving in rainy weather can be hazardous, and it is crucial to keep your car in good condition to avoid car accidents. One of the key factors in staying safe during rainy weather is having clear visibility while driving. Be sure to check your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers regularly.
Additionally, make sure to check your windshield wipers for any damage or wear, and replace them if necessary. Windshield wipers in good condition will ensure that you have a clear view of the road ahead, especially during heavy rain season.
Last but not least, choose tires that are suitable for wet weather and inspect traction regularly to ensure they are replaced on time.
Following these wet-weather driving recommendations can save lives
Did you know that over 70% of car accidents in Oregon are due to wet roads, and 46% happen during rainfalls? In fact, Oregon is considered one of the worst states for weather-related car accidents, with about 80 fatal car accidents a year related to weather conditions.
You can avoid harming others or injuring yourself by being aware of the weather conditions, planning tour trips ahead of time, and being extra cautious while driving.
Legal assistance for victims of wet-weather car accidents
If you live in Oregon and have been involved in a car accident that left you injured, you are not alone. Our attorneys at Pickett Dummigan Weingart can help you. Our personal injury lawyers will fight for your rights every step of the way.
Our experienced team can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at (503) 223-7770 or contact us online as soon as possible following a crash to discuss your case.