Drive safely in the next rainstorm with help from Atlanta’s top-rated car accident attorneys.
Driving in a heavy downpour can be overwhelming and stressful. Heavy rain can reduce driver visibility and make roads slick, significantly increasing the likelihood of a car accident.
While the car accident lawyers at Pope & Howard, P.C., recommend pulling over and waiting until the weather clears, there are some other things you can do to stay safe on the road during a heavy downpour. Read our tips for driving in heavy downpours below.
Driving in heavy rain deserves special consideration from drivers. Heavy rain can occur anywhere and pop up at any point on your drive, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. These tips can help keep you safe if you encounter heavy downpours while driving:
Slow down.
It may seem like common sense, but it’s important to reduce your speed during a heavy downpour to prevent hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle is traveling too fast in heavy rain conditions, causing the vehicle’s tires to travel on a thin layer of water instead of gripping the road.
Turn your lights on.
Lights are important because it allows other drivers on the road to see you more clearly. Many states require the use of headlights during rain, even in broad daylight, as a safety precaution.
Reduce distractions.
It’s important to remember that severe weather demands your attention, so be sure to reduce any distractions in the vehicle. Turning off music, asking passengers to be quiet, and placing both hands on the wheel will allow you to give your entire focus to the road.
Give other vehicles extra space.
While it’s never a good idea to follow another car to closely, it is definitely a good idea to give the car in front of you extra space during a heavy downpour. Add 1-2 extra seconds of following time in the rain to give the cars in front of you more time to react to traffic ahead.
Turn off cruise control.
During heavy downpours, you’ll want as much control over your vehicle as possible, which is why it is important to turn off cruise control. Plus, if you hydroplane while on cruise control, your car will actually go faster.
Steering during hydroplaning:
If you do end up hydroplaning, turn the wheel in the direction you want to go. Don’t be afraid if you don’t steer out of the skid on the first try. It may take three to five turns to get back on course.
Unfortunately, no matter how safe and careful we try to drive during a downpour, automobile accidents can and will happen. If you or a loved one were recently injured in an automobile crash, contact the law office of Pope & Howard, P.C. in Atlanta, Georgia.
Pope & Howard, P.C. is a top-rated personal injury law firm that has tried numerous truck and car accident cases. Our advanced legal team can help you get the high-quality legal representation you deserve following an auto accident. Contact us via our contact form or by phone at 404-885-9999.