People in this part of Texas are used to driving in the rain. That may be why too many of them take their safety for granted in rough conditions.
Rain is actually one of the more serious weather conditions in which people drive. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT), over 85% of all weather-related crashes occur due to rain. Of course, rain is often accompanied by fog, wind, hail and other elements that add to the risk. Conditions can go from good to bad and bad to worse in minutes.
Not going out often isn’t an option when it’s raining. However, by taking a few extra precautions, you can minimize your chances of being involved in a collision. The following are three simple steps that can help you stay safer if you have to drive in the rain.
Use your headlights correctly
Even during the day, when conditions are less than optimal, it’s wise to keep your headlights on – not just your automatic running lights. Anything that helps you be seen better by other drivers and helps you see improves your safety. Don’t use your brights unless you’re in a remote area with little or no traffic. That’s a sure way to blind other drivers. They’re typically not recommended for poor weather conditions.
Keep your distance
That three-second rule for following behind other vehicles needs to be modified to at least four or five seconds in the rain. All vehicles need more time to stop if they have to, and large vehicles like buses and commercial trucks need even more time than cars. Increasing your following distance also helps prevent water from being splashed up on your windshield and limiting your vision if the car in front of you goes through standing water.
Try to avoid driving through water
Speaking of standing water, you want to steer clear of it. What looks like a puddle could be much deeper water. Driving through that could cause you to hydroplane and lose control. It can also seriously damage your vehicle. If you can’t avoid standing water, proceed slowly.
Of course, some drivers don’t take these (or seemingly any) precautions regardless of the weather. Poor weather is no excuse for causing a crash. If you’ve suffered injuries caused by another driver’s negligence, don’t settle for less than the compensation you’re due for medical bills and other expenses and damages.