Statistics show that 24% of all automobile accidents are a result of bad weather conditions including; rain, ice, and snow. Follow up researched showed that many of these drivers did not account for the adverse conditions created by the rain. These accidents caused by driving in heavy rain have accounted for 7,400 deaths and over 670,000 injuries from automobile accidents.
Many times heavy rain will wreak havoc on roadways and highways resulting in slippery conditions. Normally when it rains heavily drivers tend to slow down too much or do not slow down enough. As heavy rain greatly impacts a drivers visibility, pavement friction, traveling speed, driving distance and vehicle performance, we must remember to slow our speed and allow more distance between the cars in front of you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident as a result a negligent driver in heavy rain, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover damages related to the wreck.
To learn more, complete the Free Case Review form on this page Its 100% FREE.
Tips for Driving in the Rain
When we are driving in heavy rain, we must exercise greater caution than we normally would because our reaction time and sight is significantly decreased. It is advised that we maintain a high level of attention and abide by all traffic laws during adverse weather conditions. At Greg Coleman Law, we have put together some heavy rain driving tips to keep members of our community safe during rain and thunderstorms.
Some heavy rain driving tips include:
Vehicle maintenance
Properly maintaining your tires, windshield wipers, headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals can aid in your vehicles performance during rainy conditions.
- Tires It is a known fact that bald tires significantly reduce traction on wet roads, and provide little resistance to hydroplaning. This is because there is nowhere for water to be displaced when your tires run over the water, thus resulting in your car riding on top of the water hydroplaning.
- Windshield Wipers If your windshield wiper blades are in bad condition, it is very difficult to clear the water off your windshield. It is recommended to replace your windshield wiper blades once a year to keep them in best working conditions.
- Lights Headlights, tail lights, and turn signals are important to let other drivers know where you are. Thus, it is recommended to replace bulbs as soon as they go out, rain or shine.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is most common during the first ten minutes of rainfall. This is a result of your tires riding on top of the water. It causes a reduction of steering control and is caused by driving at increased speeds during a rainstorm. Prevent this by driving at reduced speeds and steering in the direction you want to head during hydroplaning.
Avoiding Deep Water
It is advised not to drive through water puddles and moving water, especially if the ground is not visible. This can cause your car to drift away uncontrollably. Prevent this by avoiding deep water and water puddles all together. This can not only damage your vehicle, but also poses as a threat to everyone traveling in the vehicle.
Driving Through Water
In some instances driving though water is unavoidable, so when proceeding though water driver slowly and cautiously. It is also best to keep your tires moving at all times while driving through water to avoid getting stuck and attempting to regain momentum.
Brake Check
After traveling through water it is advice to test your brakes by pumping them. This is because your brakes may become saturated, decreasing their ability to properly function. Braking lightly will dry them out.
Fogging Windows
Often times the high humidity associated with rain will cause your widows to fog inside the car. This can be prevented by engaging your defrosters and air conditioning switch then turning up the heat. Alternatively, wipe the window with a rag.
Increased Following Distance
No matter what the driving condition, one should maintain an appropriate following distance to allow you to respond to a braking vehicle. Proper following distance is 10 feet for every 10 miles per hour. However, in rainy conditions your reaction time worsens due to hindered vision, which decreases the chances to react to the automobile in front of you in time.
Activate Low Beam Headlights
Clearly it is more difficult to see during rainy conditions, so activating low beam headlights can increase visibility. High beam headlights are known to cause a glare from the rain resulting in a reduction of visibility.
Advanced Turn Signal Indication
Due to heavy rain creating an increased response time, becoming a courteous driver and turning on your turn signal far in advance will give other drivers plenty of time to respond to your turning vehicle.
Pull Over
If the rain is getting so heavy that you can no longer see, it is recommended to pull your vehicle over to the side of the road to allow the rain to pass. Make sure to pull your vehicle over as far as possible keeping your headlights on and your emergency flashers to avoid collisions with other drivers who cannot see.
Maintaining awareness, being courteous to other drivers, and abiding by all traffic laws will greatly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident during any weather condition. If you have been involved in an automobile accident during heavy rain, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
For more information, fill out the Free Case Review on this page Its FREE.
Contact An Experienced Tennessee Auto Accident Attorney
Auto accidents are often devastating for the motorists involved as well as their families, especially when catastrophic injuries or fatalities occur. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Tennessee auto accident that was caused by heavy rain or bad road conditions, you may be eligible to receive compensation including; medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
At Greg Coleman Law, we have won over $250 Million in successful verdicts and settlements for our clients. We have the knowledge and resources to successfully litigate an auto accident injury claim, and will help you fight for the maximum compensation amount. In many cases, our staff will recreate the scene of the accident to pinpoint the cause of the accident, which then illustrates the parties that need to be held accountable for the accident.
With our central office located in Knoxville, we are able to fight for the justice of all Tennessee residence that has suffered harm by the negligence of another individual.
For additional information on the legal rights which may be available to all Tennessee auto accident injury victims and their families, contact us at (865) 247-0080 and a member of our intake team will respond to your call and connect you with one of our experienced lawyers.
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