You look out the window and droplets of rain begin running down your living room window, but you need to drive long distances today despite the weather. After getting in your car and pulling out onto the road, the rain begins to become extremely heavy, and your windshield wipers are working in overdrive to combat the storm. Every turn seems impossible, and the road’s surface has become slippery, making it difficult to turn or slow down. You adjust your speed accordingly and hope that other drivers do the same. In a moment, a speeding car passes you on the road and begins fishtailing. The car crashes into the guardrails, causing you to stop abruptly. Cars begin to tailgate one another and you’re left injured in the mess.
In this scenario, a driver did not adjust his or her speed accordingly and made an error that will cost people emotional, physical, and financial damage. Personal injury claims are filed to ensure that you receive compensation in a crash such as this one, but first, it’s important to know how to drive safely in these unfavorable weather conditions.
Driving in Rainy Weather
These tips will ensure that you are driving safely in the rain, while avoiding the risk of causing a motor vehicle accident:
Do Not Use Cruise Control
In rainy weather conditions, cruise control should be avoided. It is much easier to lose control of your vehicle with cruise control on. Cruise control does not allow you to lift off of the accelerator if you need to slow down, and without this function, you are more likely to skid out of control and cause a serious car accident.
Slow Down
It might seem obvious to you, but slowing your speed in the rain is what is going to prevent you from skidding, slipping, and hydroplaning on the surface of the road. Hydroplaning occurs when the car begins to rise over the surface of the water on the road in high speeds. The car then loses control and begins to hydroplane, causing life-threatening injuries and accidents.
Increase Your Following Distance
Just as it’s critical that you slow down in the rain, it’s also important to increase your following distance from the vehicles around you. If you are too close to another vehicle, braking can be difficult, and you may not be able to stop in time. Keep a 3-second following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to give yourself enough time to stop in an emergency.
Hiring a Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer
Though you may be following all of these steps on a rainy day, another car might not be and could cause a serious accident that leaves you injured. If you have been involved in a serious car accident, a Toronto personal injury lawyer will help you to file a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim will ensure that you receive compensation for your losses, and a lawyer will help you through every step of the process. Book a free consultation with a Toronto personal injury lawyer at Sokoloff today.
Sources: http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/wet-weather-driving-tips/#.Vm7lyLu3AyA