Rainy Weather Driving Tips
Summer’s over, and the rainy weather has begun. AAA estimates that rain and wet pavement contribute to nearly 1.2 million car accidents every year. Now is a great time to check your car to see if it’s ready for New Jersey’s winter weather, and to refresh yourself on how to drive safely in the rain.
First of all, make sure you’re getting on the road in a safe vehicle. Check that your windshield wipers have not become cracked or broken since they were last used, surprising you when you’re already out on the road and it starts to rain. Also make sure that your tires have a sufficient amount of tread. Bald tires, or tires that simply have very low tread, may not be able to maintain contact with the asphalt when there is even a modest amount of water on the road, as the grooves between the tread facilitate drainage of water from under the tires. If you are in an accident that involves you skidding across water due to the condition of your tires, it is possible that you will be considered negligent for failing to replace those tires when they became unsafe to use. Experts recommend the quarter method of evaluating your tread: If you insert a quarter in the tire tread with Washington’s head upside down, and the tire tread does not reach the top of Washington’s head, then the tread on your tires is too low.
Once you’re on the road, leave more space than you think you need between yourself and the car in front of you. It’s easy to forget how much more time you need to reach a full stop when the roads are wet. Leaving space between yourself and the car in front of you will also help you avoid having to brake hard when you need to come to a stop, which can sometimes result in hydroplaning.
If you do begin to skid, the best thing you can do is to remain calm. Do not slam on your brakes, as this will only make it more difficult to regain control of the car. Continue looking and steering in the direction you would like to go, without making any very sharp turns.
Follow the tire tracks of the car in front of you as much as possible. Allow the cars in front of you to displace the water on the road, not you. Avoid riding between lanes, where standing water can sometimes pool, and keep your speed low. Even when driving as slowly as 35 mph, tires can lose contact with the road due to standing water.
If you have been involved in a New Jersey wet weather accident and feel you are owed money for your injuries and expenses from a reckless or negligent driver, contact Wayne car accident lawyers Massood Law Group for a consultation on your claims, at 1-844-4MB-HURT.
