Driving Safely on Slick Roads
Fall is here, and along with it, comes rain and slick roads. Driving safely during rainy weather takes a different skill set, which, unfortunately, not all drivers have. During heavy rain, the risk of a serious or deadly accident increases dramatically. Even if you are a careful driver, you can’t control the actions of other drivers who are sharing the streets, roads, or highways.
We here at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. want you to be safe out there on slick roads and avoid accidents that can throw a wench in your life. Here are some tips and information on how to be safe on the roads during the rainy season.
Speed Limits and Weather Conditions
Never drive in excess of a posted speed limit in rainy weather. Your speed is determined by several factors, including the number of vehicles sharing the road, the type of road surface, whether pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, or children are present, and the weather conditions. When the road surface is wet, and you are traveling above the posted speed limit, you could run into trouble and lose control of your vehicle. When driving in rainy weather, it’s ok to slow down and be safe – no matter the posted speed limit.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning occurs when your vehicle skids or slides on a wet road surface. You are more likely to hydroplane if your tires are underinflated or have insufficient tread. Have your tires rotated or replaced if they are older – as it could save your life. If you hit deeper water, your tires are separated from the surface of the road, losing traction and the ability to steer or brake safely. In heavy rainfall, drive slowly, keep an eye out for patches of collected water, and avoid the right lane, as this is where the water runs and pools.
Distance – It Matters
In rainy weather, leave a wider distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. If you are being followed by a driver who is tailgating, move over and let them pass. There is no point in putting yourself or your family at risk due to the negligent driving habits of another.
Gear Down
Using a lower gear gives you greater control on slick road surfaces. When braking, do so slowly to allow your vehicle to compensate for the water on the road and avoid spinning out, or worse. Never operate your vehicle in cruise control when the roads are slick. You need to be focused on the road ahead, the vehicles nearby, and be prepared to make a split-second decision if needed.
Commercial Trucks and Slick Roads
Heavily loaded big rigs pose a danger, no matter what the road conditions. If you are sharing a highway with large trucks in rainy weather, you need to be extremely careful, as a collision with a big rig is often deadly. A trucker may go faster than is safe for a regular passenger car, and along with their heavy rigs, can easily lose control and cause an accident. Put plenty of distance between your vehicle and any commercial truck, whether in front, in the adjoining lane, or behind you.
Accidents on Slick Roads in Wyoming
Wyoming is listed as the second most dangerous state to drive in, with more accidents occurring during rainy weather than in snow. Wyomingites never let a little weather stop them from getting where they want to go, but no matter what you drive, being careful could save you from being involved in a serious or fatal accident. Statistics issued by WyDOT reveal the number of fatal and injury crashes in a recent year:
- Fatal and serious injury crashes: 358
- Serious crashes with injuries: 2,175
- Damage crashes: 11,267
- Total crashes: 13,800
- Commercial vehicle accidents: 21
- Fatal commercial vehicle accidents: 23
- Commercial vehicle injury crashes: 288
- Number of injured persons: 401
Accident in Rainy Weather? Contact Us.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident in rainy weather, and another driver was at fault, contact the trial lawyers at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. at (307) 257-7800 today. We are experienced, dedicated, and have an impressive win/loss record at trial. Our Gillette car accident lawyers offer experienced legal representation on a contingency fee basis – no legal fees unless we are successful. Call us for a free case strategy session.
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