The Delaware Valley comes to life in the spring months. From the trees to the grass, everything seems suddenly in bloom. That can only happen when there is enough rain, though. Rain is not a bad thing, and driving in it can be safe with enough caution. However, when a sudden heavy rain shower occurs, and you cannot see out of the windshield, it is time to pull over and wait.
If you are in an accident due to weather-related conditions, be sure to turn to a local car accident lawyer who can help you through the process. Our compassionate and experienced Delaware Valley car accident lawyer at Kwartler Manus can easily become your advocate, helping you to build a claim against those who did not take those rains seriously enough. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Sudden, Heavy Rain Is a Problem
Springtime rain can be both sudden and hard. As it comes down so quickly and with such force, it can be very challenging for drivers to maintain safe driving conditions. Heavy rain significantly increases the risk of accidents by affecting drivers. Consider some examples:
Reduced Visibility
When the clouds open up, the heavy rain can come down with so much force that it is impossible to see through it. You may have trouble seeing the vehicle in front of you. That also means the driver behind you cannot see you well. This, mixed with springtime glare, can worsen the situation.
Hydroplaning Risks
Wet conditions create the risk of hydroplaning, a condition in which your tires lose traction with the ground. More clearly, the cars encounter more water than they can displace, causing them to lift off the surface and glide across a thin film of water. When this happens, you lose control over the vehicle’s movements.
Slick Conditions
In the spring, moisture on roadways combined with dropping nighttime temperatures can create very unsafe conditions due to ice buildup. Black ice, for example, is very hard to see, and can create a significant risk of accidents if your car hits a patch.
Muddy Conditions
Another concern in the Delaware Valley, as a result of the weather, is one you may not have thought about before. Mud. Mud may not be a problem for larger vehicles with 4x4 technology, but for smaller cars, it creates very slick, hard-to-drive conditions. You may find yourself or another driver stuck on the side of the road and unable to move forward. You may also find that drivers are bringing more mud onto the roadway itself. This can also create dangerous conditions for all involved.
Fast-Moving Water on Roadways
Springtime rains oversaturate the ground in Delaware Valley. When that happens, or when the rain is simply too fast for the ground to absorb, water moves along the surface, creating nearly rivers along the roadways. Because roadways are often an easy surface for water to run over, this can lead to unsafe conditions for drivers. Your vehicle may be pushed, or your brakes may get wet, increasing the risk of accidents.
Springtime rain can be an important part of restoring the Delaware Valley’s beauty and bringing the area back to life after the winter months. It also brings risks that every driver has to consider when heading out onto the roadway.
How to Prevent Accidents During Springtime Showers
One reason springtime rain is problematic is that it can come out of nowhere. That means it is not always possible to avoid it. Instead, consider these tips for staying safe on the roadways when the rain becomes bad.
- Slow down. There is no more important factor in getting through a rainstorm than slowing your speed. This creates more traction between the tires and the roadway, reducing slipping and sliding.
- Turn your lights on. Your headlights can help when the clouds come in quickly and darken the area. However, they also serve as beacons so other drivers can see you during heavy rain. That helps you avoid other drivers.
- Use your fog lights. In situations with dense fog, use the low beam. This reduces glare while also protecting your visibility.
- Keep your vehicle in good working order. Tires, brakes, and lights are all important. Change out old windshield wiper blades as well. This minimizes the risk of breakdowns or other cars not seeing you.
- Do not drive through standing water. Your car is not meant to go through water in most situations. You simply do not have the traction you need. It can also lead to damage from unseen potholes and hydroplaning.
When conditions are bad, pull over and avoid going into dangerous situations. Waiting 10 minutes for the storm to pass is generally best for all parties.
Know That There Is Help Available to You
When another driver puts you at risk, and you have injuries and financial loss, it is time to schedule a free consultation with a Delaware Valley car accident lawyer. Put your trust in our team at Kwartler Manus. Be sure to review our case results to see how we have helped others like you.