Bad weather is a common cause of auto accidents, with rain a leading cause for many of these incidents. There are many reasons why rain ranks as a top contributor in accidents that occur yearly on roads and highways – and some of them may be surprising. To avoid causing a motor vehicle accident leading to property damage and injury, auto accident attorneys remark that drivers must first understand why rain can cause dangerous driving conditions and be prepared to handle any potentially hazardous driving conditions.
Wet Roads and Reduced Traction
Wet roads are quite often slippery. Even roads in the best condition can become slick during a rain storm for a variety of reasons. A layer of water on the roadway reduces tire traction, causing cars to slide. Oil from the vehicles that travel the roads can build up on the road. During the first portion of a rain shower, those surface oils are loosened and create a greasy-type driving surface that may be unexpected to many drivers. In colder weather, precipitation may fall as rain but turn to ice, creating dangerous driving conditions. To avoid rain-related crashes, attorneys who handle auto accident injuries advise that all drivers should be aware of the specific information about wet roads and be sure to know appropriate driving skills for such situations.
Wet Road, Decreased Visibility, and Good Windshield Wipers
Rain does increase poor visibility, which is a common cause of roadway accidents. Outside the vehicle, water splashing up can prevent drivers from seeing clearly the cars in front of them or even the road. Heavy rainfall decrease visibility even more. Inside a car, rain can cause windows to become foggy, which also decreases visibility. A vehicle must have good windshield wipers and a functioning defogger to help maintain visibility, as this is the cause of many accidents requiring drivers to seek the assistance of auto accident attorneys.
Wet Roads and Driving Skills
Besides the manner in which rain affects a roadway and driving visibility, many auto operators simply do not have good driving skills when it comes to traveling on wet roads, especially in drier climates. Auto accident attorneys understand that accidents increase when it rains in drier areas because people are not accustomed to that type of driving conditions.
Even in areas where rain is common, experienced auto accident attorneys point out that both timid and aggressive drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident due to not understanding how to negotiate wet, rainy roads. Driving too slow creates a hazard for other vehicles and increases the chance of an accident. On the other hand, drivers who do not slow down enough or fail to exercise proper caution increase the likelihood of an accident. Safe driving in wet weather requires smooth braking and steering as well as staying at a lower speed that is on pace with other traffic.
Driving safely on all types of roads is an important skill for every driver. Being more aware of how rain affects both roads and vehicles can help avoid situations leading to accidents. If you have been involved in a rain-related accident, be sure to seek the assistance of experienced auto accident attorneys to help you resolve any physical damage or injury claims you may be facing.
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