How to Prevent a Car Accident in the Rain
Rainy weather isn’t just inconvenient; it creates dangerous road conditions and increases the chances that you’ll be in a car accident. Roads can become slippery, visibility becomes lower, and let’s be honest, not everybody knows how to drive in the rain. Due to overlapping jurisdictions, auto accidents that occur in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia can be especially tricky. The lawyers at Car Accident Lawyer DC want to provide some tips to help you prevent a car accident in the rain, as well as the resulting frustration, injuries, and trauma.
Routinely check your tires
The film of water that rain creates on the pavement can be really slippery, especially after dry periods when engine oil builds up on roads. Ensuring that your tires are properly inflated and not worn out will help you maintain control of your car in inclement weather. While checking your tires, be sure to check your windshield wipers to confirm that they are functioning properly. If a wiper blade is cracked or damaged, be sure to replace it immediately.
Be aware of your surroundings
Often, car accidents occur at no fault of your own, and those may require you to hire a car accident lawyer. While there is no way to make other drivers more cautious, being alert and aware of the cars and pedestrians around you can help you react more quickly. Cell phone use while driving is always dangerous, but can be particularly dangerous when in rainy conditions (remember that texting while driving is illegal in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia!)
Give yourself extra travel time
Even if you feel comfortable driving in the rain, you should drive at a slower pace. Traffic often moves more slowly when it is raining, but resist the urge to weave in and out of traffic, as other drivers may not be as alert. Also be sure to leave more space between you and the car in front of you in order to avoid having to slam on the brakes and will be able to give the car behind you enough time to react, as well.
Turn on your headlights
Even if it’s only drizzling, turning on your headlights helps you see better and helps other drivers, as well as pedestrians, see you. It’s also crucial that you use turn signals when turning and changing lanes. This warns other drivers and helps avoid rear-end accidents.
Please remember these tips the next time you have to drive in the rain. You can keep yourself safe, make the roads safer for everybody else and prevent a car accident in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia!