April Showers Bring More Than Flowers: How Wet Roads and Poor Visibility Increase Accident Risks

Despite the calming sound of rain, car crashes and fatalities tend to rise during wet weather. Heavy downpours can quickly flood roads, reduce visibility, and make it harder for tires to grip the pavement.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, rain is responsible for 85% of weather-related crashes in the state. One common cause is hydroplaning, which happens when a vehicle loses traction due to water on the road.

To help you stay safe this spring, we’ve put together some key tips to keep in mind when driving in the rain.

Why are Hydroplaning and Reduced Visibility Dangerous?

As you drive in the rain, its heavy pouring can block your road view, making it hard to see what is ahead of you and posing risks of road accidents. Gushing water can fill windshields, and the rapid rainfall reduces the visibility of things around you. 

Light to heavy rain can still make the road wet, causing slippery surfaces for drivers. Hydroplaning happens when the tire has little to no contact with the road surface due to the presence of water. When this happens, the driver commonly loses control of the wheels until the car returns to the surface. Additional factors such as driving speed, tire condition, and vehicular weight can affect the possibility of hydroplaning. 

Both of these increase the risk of road crashes, resulting in mild to severe injuries, including death. 

What To Do to Avoid Hydroplaning Incidents? 

We can’t stop the rain from making the roads hazardous. However, you can lessen the risk of road accidents in such a situation by following these steps: 

1. Don’t panic. Hydroplaning and losing control are scary, but panicking will put you in more danger. Keep a level head. 
2. Keep control of the steering wheel. Avoid overcorrecting, as this can increase the possibility of a crash. 
3. Avoid sudden stops. Quickly stepping on the brakes won’t do good. Instead, slowly keep your feet off the accelerator for a gradual stop. 
4. Make sure to stop in a safe area. Avoid stopping in the middle of the road — pull into the shoulder or a parking lot to get your bearings back and calm yourself after losing control.

Preventive Measures Against Wet Road Conditions

There are simple yet essential steps you must take into account before getting onto the road to avoid accidents. 

These are: 

• Speed Control. The speed limit can be too fast if the road is wet. Slow down to go through surfaces with standing water or go around them as much as possible. 
• Keep track of the vehicle in front of you. Maintain a safe distance between you and avoid overtaking. 
• Check your tires regularly. Make sure they are properly inflated and balanced. Consider using touring tires or all-season performance tires to have better traction despite the wet conditions.  

Wet roads can be hazardous. However, accidents can be avoided with proper preparation and the right driving behavior. Although some can still occur, their likelihood can be lessened. 

Car Accident in Rainy Weather? Call Shaw!

Rainy weather is not an excuse for another driver to injure you in an accident. If you or your loved one got injured during rainy weather due to other people’s negligence anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Ambulance Costs,
• ER Treatment,
• Surgeries,
• Medical Bills,
• Pain and Suffering,
• Property Damage,
• Missed Work,
• Wrongful Death,
• And More.

We can help you find out for free.

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We put our clients first because we care.

We look forward to serving you.