Safety Tips for Driving in Rainy Weather

With rain in the forecast this week, it’s a good time for us all to refresh our awareness of safe driving tips for the spring. Even though it’s supposed to dry out later in the week, we know we can expect more rain across the state as the Spring season arrives. Here are some ways to prevent loss of control and car accidents:

  • Prepare ahead of time. Your vehicle’s features are one of the main lines of defense in adverse weather. Working wiper blades and tires that are not thread-bare are two essentials for rainy weather. Old wiper blades will simply slosh the water around on your windshield without actually shedding it. Old, worn tires greatly reduce the tires’ ability to grip the road.
  • Slow down. Posted speed limits are determined based on dry, ideal conditions. When it’s rainy – or snowy, icy or wet – it’s perfectly reasonable to reduce your speed. Driving slower generally improves traction and gives you more time to react to people stopping on the roadway in front of you, which in turn will allow you more time to stop before colliding with the stopped vehicles.
  • Use your headlights. See others and be seen by turning your headlights on. Don’t use your hazards unless you are actually stopped on the side of the road.
  • Leave plenty of room. In poor weather, the risk of an accident increases. If a motorist in front of you loses control, brakes suddenly, swerves or crashes, you’ll be better equipped to react in plenty of time if you are following at a safe distance.
  • Always wear a seat belt. Never forget to buckle up, in any type of weather. Make sure your passengers are belted as well. Wearing a seat belt reduces serious injury and death in the event of a car accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our experienced attorneys can determine if you have a claim to pursue compensation. For a FREE case review, please contact Whetstone Perkins & Fulda. We have offices in Marion, Columbia, Kingstree and Myrtle Beach.

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