Winter in the Midwest has been mild as far as the snow goes, but that hasn’t stopped the rain. Driving in the rain can be just as dangerous as snow, especially at night. Rainstorms do not happen every day and many people are not skilled with driving in wet conditions. Below are ways you can stay safe during a rainstorm.
Rain Driving Tips
Slow Down
Rain can make the road slippery, so it's important to reduce your speed to give yourself more time to react to any hazards. Driving too fast during a rainstorm can also cause a vehicle to hydroplane and make you lose control. Hydroplaning only occurs at higher speeds, so it is important to slow down to avoid it.
Turn on Headlights
Make sure your headlights are always on when driving in rain. This will help other drivers see you, as well as help you see the road better. You can also use your fog lights, if your car has them, as they are designed to help you see better in poor visibility conditions such as heavy rain, fog or snow. They illuminate the road surface more effectively than regular headlights and can make a big difference in visibility.
It's also important to remember that when your headlights are on, you are required by law to have your taillights on as well. This will help other drivers see the rear of your vehicle and can help prevent rear-end collisions.
Follow at a Safe Distance
Rainstorms can decrease reaction time, so it's important to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to give yourself more time to react to any sudden stops or turns. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a following distance of at least three to four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. In rainy conditions, you should increase this distance to account for the decreased visibility and increased braking distance.
Use Middle Lanes
Water normally tends to build up on the outside lanes of a multiple lane highway due to the way the roads slope. If possible, use the middle lane to make driving less dangerous and lower your chances of hydroplaning. Additionally, using the middle lanes can also help you avoid debris, such as branches or trash, that may have been washed onto the road during a rainstorm. It's also a good idea to avoid standing water as it can cause hydroplaning, and also can be hiding a pothole.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Bald tires can be dangerous when it is raining and cause you to hydroplane. Make sure to prepare your vehicle ahead of time to keep you and everyone in your car safe. It is also important to make sure your windshield wipers are in good working condition.
Astigmatism
Driving in the rain with an astigmatism can be especially challenging. Astigmatism is a common eye condition that can cause blurred or distorted vision, making it difficult to see clearly in certain lighting conditions. If you have an astigmatism, make sure to have the correct contacts or glasses and check they are clean and free of any smudges or scratches before driving. If they are dirty or damaged, it can make it difficult to see the road clearly. If you have an astigmatism, it's important to consult with your eye doctor regularly to ensure that your glasses or contacts are still providing the correct level of correction. Your doctor can also advise you on how best to manage your condition while driving in the rain.
Injured in an Accident?
At Hupy and Abraham, we are committed to reducing preventable accidents. Unfortunately, no matter how safe you try to be, accidents do happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident while driving in poor weather conditions, the car accident attorneys at Hupy and Abraham are here to help. Contact us at 800-800-5678 for a free consultation or start a live chat any time at Hupy.com.
