Staying Safe While Driving In Heavy Rain

For most of the year, we do not have to worry about snow in South Carolina, but we do get a lot of rain.  Hurricane season will be starting again soon, and while Columbia is far enough inland that most Atlantic storms weaken considerably by the time they arrive here, we could still get prolonged heavy rains from the remnants of a major storm.  With or without high winds, heavy rain can make for hazardous driving conditions.  For example, a few months ago, the driver of a Nissan lost control of his car while driving in heavy rain in Kershaw County.  The car spun out and ended up crossing the center lane and going into oncoming traffic, where a pickup truck could not avoid hitting it.  The driver of the Nissan died, while the driver of the truck suffered injuries.  If you got injured in a car accident on a rainy day, contact a Columbia car accident lawyer.

When Things Get Bad, Get Off the Road or Stay Off the Road

The best way to avoid car accidents in heavy rain is to avoid driving until the worst of the storm passes.  If you are trying to get to work or to an appointment on time, call and say that you will be late; the person waiting for you can look out the window or at the weather map and see how bad the rain is on your route.  Most of the time, even on a sunshine-less day, the periods where the rain is truly pouring down usually last less than half an hour.  If it was drizzling when you started driving, but the torrential rain takes you by surprise, pull over onto the shoulder or into a parking lot until the rain slows down.

Slow but Steady Wins the Race

When driving in heavy rain, you should drive well below the speed limit; no one is going to give you a ticket if you do this.  Stay a safe distance behind the next car in front of you.  This way, if you need to reduce your speed, you can do it by just taking your foot off the gas; braking on wet roads can cause you to lose control of the car.  When you must use your brakes, brake slowly.

Avoiding Puddles Great and Small

It is exhilarating for kids when their parents’ car drives through a big puddle and makes a splash, but driving through puddles is dangerous.  It can cause your car to skid and hydroplane.  If possible, steer clear of puddles on the road, even if it means changing lanes.  If a road or lane is closed due to deep water on the road, do not try to enter the closed area.

Let Us Help You Today

The personal injury lawyers at the Stanley Law Group can help you if rainy weather was a factor in the accident that caused your injuries.  Contact The Stanley Law Group in Columbia, South Carolina or call (803)799-4700 for a free initial consultation.

Sources:

wltx.com/article/traffic/driver-dies-spinning-out-kershaw-county-road-struck/101-8dfd3ee3-dfd2-446f-8eed-1acbe336f370

driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-rain/