Though summer brings sunny, warm, and pleasant weather, it can also bring storms in Maryland. Rain can be irritating, but it can also impact your driving conditions. The likelihood of an automobile collision increases exponentially during inclement weather.
However, sometimes you need to drive during rainy weather conditions. If you get into a car accident and experience a personal injury, contact an attorney, Attorney Big Al from the Law Office Of Richard Klein, before you file a claim with an insurance company.
3 Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain
You can prevent an accident if you stay cautious behind the wheel when it rains. Read on to find advice for driving safely when the weather is rainy.
Slow Your Driving Speed
Though you may drive at the posted speed limit, this sign may not apply to slippery conditions on the road during rainy weather. A speed limit sign refers to the maximum allowed driving speed. So do not be afraid to slow down if the road is wet.
High speeds can make it more difficult to brake if you need to. Your car can slide before coming to a full stop. This could result in a rear-end collision with a vehicle in front of you. To learn more about these types of collisions, see Rear-end Car Accidents.
You may also notice sliding or hydroplaning occurring if you take a turn too quickly on a wet road. To prevent these issues, lower your driving speed to better retain control of your vehicle. A good way to measure the speed you should travel is to count five seconds of following distance between you and the car in front of you.
Turn on Your Headlights
Rain impairs visibility, and you may have more trouble seeing your surroundings in this type of weather. You can turn on your headlights to improve your vision as you drive. In fact, turning on your headlights when you use your windshield wipers in the rain is a legal requirement in Maryland and many other states. This applies to daytime driving as well as at night.
Your headlights will also allow other drivers to see your vehicle on the road, so they can drive safely and avoid a collision with you too. You should not turn on your high beams, however. The bright light can reflect on wet surfaces, creating a glare that can make it hard to see as you drive.
Pay Attention Close to Your Surroundings
Rainy weather affects your visibility as well as the conditions of the road itself. Even as you remain aware of these factors, you should proceed with driving with caution when it rains.
You usually drive with care and constant attention to your surroundings, but you should stay especially alert in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Excess water on the road can make a car hydroplane or slip, so you may need to take your foot off the gas pedal and adjust your driving quickly if this occurs. Increased vigilance will help you keep control of your vehicle and prevent an automobile accident. If you still have questions, see Car Accident FAQs.