Statistics shows that roads don’t have to be snow-covered to pose a serious threat to motorists’ safety
Spring is often called a time of renewal. It’s a time when people get to hang up their winter coats and look forward to warmer weather. Although the weather during springtime can be unpredictable — shifting rapidly between cold and warm — rain is generally something you can count on happening in the months leading up to summer.
If you’re driving in the springtime, it’s important to remember that wet roads can be just as dangerous as snowy ones. As you hit the road this spring, you should always make safety your top priority.
NYC Auto Accident Lawyer Discusses Crashes Caused by Wet Roads
New York City auto accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter states, “It’s easy to underestimate the dangers posed by wet roads. Most people assume that icy or snowy conditions are the most dangerous to drive in, but the presence of oil and other substances on roadways makes them extremely slippery once it starts raining.”
Statistics shows that roads don’t have to be snow-covered to pose a serious threat to motorists’ safety.
Rain has a much larger impact on road safety than you might think. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Road Weather Management Program, over 950,000 accidents happen each year due to wet pavement. These accidents injure over 384,000 thousand people and result in an estimated 4,700 deaths annually.
Staying Safe When You Drive in the Rain
If you have to drive in the rain — and chances are good that you will — keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Take it slow. It’s important to slow down, especially when the rain first starts, as the oil slicks on the road will be extremely slippery during this time.
- Know how to handle hydroplaning. Remember that it takes just one-twelfth of an inch of water combined with a speed of 35 miles per hour or above to create a hydroplaning effect in a vehicle. If you start to hydroplane, remove your foot from the accelerator but don’t press the brake. Keep the wheel steady until your vehicle stops hydroplaning.
- Don’t drive into standing water. Never, under any circumstances, drive into standing water. It doesn’t take much water to flood a vehicle’s engine, making it impossible to drive to safety.
- Stay off cruise. Don’t use your cruise control in rainy weather.
- Adjust for glare and low visibility. Keep in mind that rain causes light to reflect, which reduces motorists’ visibility. Allow more distance between your vehicle and the vehicles around you to ensure you see cars’ taillights in time to slow down or stop safely.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, protect your rights by speaking to an experienced New York City auto accident lawyer as soon as possible.
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Media Contact:
Auto accident lawyer in NYC Jonathan C. Reiter.
T: 212-736-0979.
