Distracted driving, reckless driving, speeding, and DUI are some of the top causes of car accidents. However, another significant factor that contributes to a large number of car collisions is inclement weather conditions. Poor weather can significantly affect the driver’s capabilities to control the vehicle, including its traction, stability, and overall maneuverability.
Rain is amongst the most common causes of motor vehicle crashes on US roads and highways. Out of all the 1,235,000 weather-related vehicle crashes every year, 46% happen during rainfall, as per stats. Rain leads to more car accidents than other inclement weather conditions like snow, sleet, and fog.
Keep reading to learn more about how hazardous weather conditions like rain serve as a major contributor to the thousands of accidents that occur each year.
How Does Rain Cause Car Accidents?
Whether it is a drizzle or a heavy downpour, precipitation significantly enhances the risk of a deadly vehicle crash. Research reveals that precipitation increases the risk of a car crash by 34%. There are several reasons why rain ranks as a top cause of vehicle accidents each year. The following are some of the main ways that rain causes car accidents:
Reduced Visibility
Rain drastically decreases visibility, rendering it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead and other cars. Being unable to discern the distance from other cars makes braking more difficult and may cause delayed reaction time, creating a potentially disastrous situation.
Rainfall causes the windshield to become hazy and blurred and the windows to become foggy. Water splashing on the windshield, especially during heavy rainfall, may limit visibility entirely, increasing the chances of a car crash manifold. Accordingly, drivers must ensure their cars have fully functional windshield wipers and a defogger to maintain maximum visibility.
Slippery Roads
Wet and slippery roads decrease tire traction and maneuverability. Water buildup on the roads makes it difficult for drivers to maintain total control over their vehicles, causing cars to slide and skid. Oil from other vehicles may also collect on the road and create a greasy surface, making it difficult to maintain traction and affecting your ability to turn or brake.
Even roads and highways in the best condition can become slick and slippery during rainy weather, increasing the likelihood of a potentially dangerous wreck.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is another factor contributing to the hazards of driving in the rain. When rainwater accumulates on the road after a rainstorm, it can cause cars to hydroplane.
This is when rainwater builds up between the car’s tires and the road, and the car rides atop the layer of water surface, just like a boat. That causes a loss of friction and the car to slide uncontrollably, possibly resulting in a devastating crash, especially if it happens during a turn.
Accordingly, drivers must ensure they lower their speeds when driving in the rain and avoid driving through standing water, like deep puddles. Also, driving with worn-out tires enhances the risk of a collision due to hydroplaning.
Tips To Prevent a Rain Car Crash
To avoid a catastrophic car accident that may lead to injury or death, drivers must be proactive and adopt some essential safety precautions when driving in the rain. These include:
Drive at the Right Speed
How well you can control your car during adverse weather conditions primarily depends upon your speed. While it may sound like a no-brainer, driving at low speeds gives you a better reaction time to brake and control your vehicle. Besides, a slower speed will also cause minimal damage should an accident occur.
Keep Maximum Visibility
It’s usually hard to see the road ahead of you during a rainstorm. That renders it vital that you turn your headlights and windshield wiper on to increase your ability to see the road and other vehicles.
Switching your headlights on will also make it easier for other drivers to see you. Besides, fogged-up windows can also limit visibility. Turning on the defrosters will gradually clear up the fog.
Avoid Braking Suddenly
Avoid braking too hard when driving in rainy weather, unless absolutely necessary, as it may cause the car to skid. Tires can lose traction if you slam the brakes too hard quickly on slippery roads, making it harder to control the vehicle and increasing the likelihood of a wreck.
However, if your car skids, it is crucial not to panic and remain calm. Steer the car in the direction you desire to go until it regains traction.
Being aware of how rain causes car accidents and creates hazardous conditions on the roads can help avoid potentially dangerous accidents. However, other factors could be at play in a car accident, including negligence on the part of the other driver.
Liability in a Rain Related Car Crash
Even if weather was a factor, you still may be able to file a claim to recover compensation for your losses, especially in no-fault car insurance states like New Jersey and New York.
While weather and rain can be a factor or cause of a car accident, driver negligence can also contribute or partially contribute to an accident.
Examples of negligence include speeding, distracted driving and failure to yield the right of way. It can be challenging to understand liability in a car accident without the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to speak with an attorney about your case before filing a claim and settling.
Injured? Contact Us Today for Help
When you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, your entire focus revolves around recovery and getting back on your feet. Figuring out how you will be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages can be especially complex in car accidents. Our experienced car accident lawyers can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in compassionate client care and an honest, straight-forward approach. We will conduct a detailed investigation, negotiate with insurers and prepare a strong case on your behalf. Put our decades of experience to work so you can focus on your recovery and what really matters.
There’s no risk in giving us a call to find out how we can help. We’ve helped people just like you move forward after sustaining an injury. Contact us now for a free legal consultation.