Heavy rainfall in the St. Louis area can make driving hazardous. On my drive in to work today, I thought it might be good to share some tips for driving in heavy rainfall just to remind folks to be extra cautious when traveling this week. In heavy rain conditions, visibility is a problem. It is hard to see road signs and the road itself as well it is difficult for others to see us. According to Smartmotorist.com, these are some researched tips for driving in heavy rain conditions:
- Slow down—it takes longer to stop and adjust in wet weather
- Stay toward the middle lanes as water tends to pool in the outside lanes
- Maintain proper following distance- use the 3 second rule—may need to increase during wet weather
- Drive in the tracks of the car ahead of you
- Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely as they create a great deal of spray which can make visibility difficult—be careful when passing them
- Be alert and watch for brake lights
- Avoid using your brakes, if possible, take your foot off of the accelerator to slow down
- Turn your headlights on even in light rain, or in gloomy, foggy days. Headlights not only increase your ability to see the road but other’s ability to see you
- Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle wipers
- Avoid off road driving as it is difficult to always judge actual depth of puddles
- Never drive through moving water. If you cannot see the ground through it, it is possible that your car can be swept off the road
- If possible, stay off the roads during heavy thunderstorms. Flash floods, flashing lightning and high winds can create dangerous driving conditions.
These may seem like “common sense” recommendations, but it is “common sense that is not so common”. Inclement weather including snow and heavy rains can create dangerous driving conditions, so when the option is there to not drive, then do not. However, sometimes you have to drive and when the rains are heavy, use caution. The number one recommendation is to slow down and remain alert. But that advice is good no matter what the driving condition.
Being a cautious and good driver is doing your part. Even though you exercise safe driving, that does not ensure that others will. If another driver makes a choice to drive too fast or be careless and in doing so, hits and injures you then you may need legal representation in a personal injury claim.
Every person that is in a car accident does not need an attorney. You only need an attorney if you have been seriously injured or if the other party claims the accident was your fault. Small property damage claims can usually be handled through your insurance claim adjuster. I have blogged numerous times about working with an insurance company including some Do’s and Don’ts. You have to be an advocate on your own behalf and if you are unable to do so, then you need an attorney that will.
Our attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm work hard to advocate for victims of car accidents that have serious injuries in Missouri and Illinois. We are available seven days a week to answer your questions. Maybe you need help in simply determining the next steps or if you even need a personal injury attorney. We can help. Call toll free (800) 685-3302 or locally (314) 276-1681. We offer free consultations over the phone.
Link to this post!Rain In St. Louis, Missouri–Tips for Safe Driving" onclick="javascript:this.select()" readonly="readonly" style="width: 100%;" />
