August started with heavy rainfall throughout the Atlanta area. But rain on the roads is more than just an inconvenience; it’s much more dangerous than people may think.
As Alpharetta car accident lawyers, we have represented countless victims that were involved in car accidents during inclement weather. We have put together a list of driving tips to help you keep yourself and others on the road safe.
FAST FACTS
- Approximately 6,000 people are killed each year due to weather-related traffic collisions.
- About 445,00 people are injured due to weather-related crashes each year.
- The majority of these crashes occur during rainfall.
1. Don’t Cruise
Cruise control is a great feature available in most passenger vehicles on the road. The option is fantastic when the roads are dry, but can be dangerous when the roads are wet and slick. If you have cruise control engages, it becomes much harder to reduce your speed as quickly as you may need to.
Cruise control may also make you be more complacent with your driving. The best idea is to avoid cruise control when the roads are wet or you are driving through a rainstorm. Drive the old fashioned way.
2. Reduce Your Speed
Your vehicle has an increased risk of hydroplaning the more standing water there is on the roads. You can reduce your chances of losing contact with the road by slowing your speed.
You can hydroplane with only 1/12 an inch of water on the road. That’s barely anything. Never assume that you have to drive through a flood to lose contact with the road.
3. Leave Room in Front
It can be tempting to ride someone’s bumper if they are driving too slow. Don’t. When the roads are slick, you need to leave ample room between you and the vehicle in front of you. If the car in front of you slams on its brakes for one reason or another, you are going to need that extra room to be able to stop safely.
If you believe that you are driving at a speed appropriate for the road conditions and another driver is riding your bumper, pull over when it is safe and let them pass.
4. Headlights On
This shouldn’t need said, but judging from some of the things we have heard talking to our clients, it does: Turn your headlights on. If it is raining and the skies are gray, your headlights should be turned on.
Many modern cars have headlights that come on automatically with windshield wipers, but not all do. If your vehicles isn’t equipped with this feature, you’ll have to remember to do it yourself.
Our Alpharetta Car Accident Attorneys are Here for You
If you are involved in a car accident, you need an Alpharetta car accident lawyer. Reach out to our office so that we can talk to you about your collision and subsequent injuries.
We will discuss your legal rights and options with you and help you make the best decision for your unique case. Call today to schedule your free case evaluation and let us assist you in securing the compensation you and your family deserve.