Did you know that rain causes more fatalities on the road than snow? Frozen roads may seem more dangerous. However, a federal data shows that rain causes the most driving fatalities in 39 out of 50 states in the U.S.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 50,013 automobile crashes occurred during rainy weather conditions in 2016. Of those, 220 crashes were fatal. To stay safe on the road, any Dallas car accident attorney would tell you that it is vital to drive defensively during all cases of inclement weather.
Here are a few tips to consider if you want to drive more defensively on the road during inclement weather:
Do Not Rush, Take Your Time
One of the safest ways to drive in the rain is to take your time. Try to not to pay too much attention to the clock. Remember that a many automobile accidents are caused by hydroplaning. The only way to prevent hydroplaning is to ensure you drive safely and slow down, especially if it raining heavily. The risks of driving in the rain far outweigh the benefits of arriving a few minutes earlier. Time your road trips accordingly to ensure that you leave plenty of time to drive safely and cautiously.
Keep Your Vehicle in Proper Operating Condition.
Studies have shown that the worst time to drive is when it just begins to rain. This is because the emerging oils in the road create a film that has not had the opportunity get washed away.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and have the required thread depth. Low thread depth can contribute to hydroplaning and improper traction. Also, make sure your brake are properly maintained and your anti-lock braking system in operating properly.
Keep Your Headlights On
Visibility is seriously compromised in the rain. Even though headlights are not required during daytime hours, it is a good idea to keep them on especially during rainy conditions. Keeping your headlights on will increase your visibility to other vehicle on the roadway.
Keep a Safe Driving Distance.
Maintaining a proper amount of following time between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road is an essential step. It is highly recommended to add an extra 1-2 seconds to your standard following time while driving in the rain to ensure there is plenty of space available. You never know how your brakes are going to react in certain slick and slippery spots on the road. Hydroplaning can quickly lead to life-threatening automobile crashes. Making sure you have plenty of space and time separating you from the other cars will help to make sure that everyone on the road will get to their destination safely.
Driving in the rain may be necessary from time to time. Following basic safety tips can not only save your life, it can also help you if you are ever in a car accident and have to defend your actions in court. Any car accident attorney in Dallas, or elsewhere, will tell you that good driving habits will always benefit you legally if you are ever injured and need to seek compensation.