When you hear about car accidents caused due to weather conditions, an image of icy and slippery roads covered with snow may come to your mind. Many people think snowy winters cause the most road accidents, but the rain is actually the real culprit.
According to statistics, most weather-related car crashes take place on wet pavements caused by rainfall. We will be discussing what makes the roads so dangerous during the rainy season and what steps you can take to avoid accidents. If you were in a weather-related accident, call a car accident attorney in Conyers for legal help.
Why is rain so dangerous for driving?
There are various reasons why driving in the rain is particularly riskier.
- Rain affects the driver’s ability to see the road, other drivers, and pedestrians through the car windshield. Continuous splashes of rain can block vision even if the driver uses windshield wipers, especially when it rains heavily.
- Rain causes the road to becoming wet, resulting in lesser friction between the road and the tires. Simply put, rain makes everything slippery, which leads to hydroplaning.
Precipitation can also impact road treatment strategy, traffic signal timing, speed limit control, and coordination. According to the FHWA, around 70% of weather-related accidents happen on wet pavements, while 46% of them happen during rainfall.
What to do to protect yourself from accidents in the rain?
To avoid rain-related car crashes, one should take the following steps.
- Always switch on your turn signals before switching a lane so other drivers can see you and react promptly.
- Accelerate gently to avoid slipping of the tires.
- Never hit your brakes suddenly in the car. It can cause the vehicle to slip uncontrollably.
- If your car begins to hydroplane, remove your feet from the pedals and hold your steering wheel straight until your car comes to a stop.
Can I get compensation for an accident caused by the weather?
If another driver has lost control of their vehicle and has caused an accident, you may be able to get compensation from their insurance company. Weather conditions may be a factor in car accidents, but this does not negate the actions of the driver who acted negligently.
Even weather-related crashes can be avoided if proper measures are taken, and if a driver has failed to take those measures, they should be held liable for the damages they cause. For example, a vehicle should never slip on a slippery road if the driver drives at a safe speed.
If you are in a weather-related car crash, call an attorney to look into your case and obtain the compensation you deserve.