Rain is rare in Las Vegas, but when it falls, dust and oil on the streets create dangerously slick conditions when water hits the pavement. The heavy rains that strike the desert also present sudden and unpredictable flood hazards. As a driver, you can protect yourself from a crash on a rainy day with these safety tips. 

 

Wet Roads Cause Accidents

 

 Just as wet floors cause slip-and-fall accidents, wet roads increase traffic hazards. People who fail to follow standard safe driving practices in the rain could face financial responsibility for their cause. A car accident lawyer’s work includes collecting evidence of negligent driving to strengthen a victim’s claim for damages. 

 

 An accident that occurs on a rainy day will prompt a car accident attorney Las Vegas to look closely at driver behavior. Wet roads and rainfall correlate strongly with traffic accidents. A 10-year analysis of crash data published by the Federal Highway Administration attributed 70% of weather-related wrecks to wet pavement. 

 

Top Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

 

1. Make sure that your vehicle is wet-weather-ready.

 

 When the rain falls, you need headlights, tail lights, windshield wipers, and decent brakes and tires. Routinely check your vehicle’s lights and replace burned-out bulbs right away. Install new wiper blades when you see that the old ones are cracking. Old tires that have lost their tread will spell trouble on a wet road. Don’t put off replacing your tires or fixing bad brakes. 

 

 A vehicle with functional wipers, tires, brakes, and lights could insulate you from accusations that you contributed to a crash due to lack of visibility or vehicle control. Even if your car was not perfect at the moment of a crash, a car accident lawyer Las Vegas could work to limit any impact such an issue might have on your case.

 

2. Slow down in wet conditions.

 

 When the rain is coming down hard, or the road is wet from recent rain, you need more time and space to brake successfully. Everyone should drive 5 or 10 mph below the posted speed limit in the rain. Lower speeds improve your control and give you more time to react to unexpected events. 

 

3. Maintain a longer following distance.

 

 The distance you need to stop on a dry road is shorter than the distance on a wet road. You can adapt the 3-second rule to check your following space. On a dry road, measure your following distance by finding a fixed object by the road ahead of you. Watch the vehicle in front of you pass the object and then count out 3 seconds. If you pass the item before you count 3, then you’re too close. On a rainy day, you’ll want to count to at least 4 seconds. Add 2 seconds when you’re in torrential rain or snow. 

 

4. Stay away from big rigs and buses.

 

 Large commercial vehicles spray rainwater from their tires. That spray can splash over your car and temporarily blind you. 

 

5. Brake gently.

 

 Stopping requires more planning on a wet road. Begin by taking your foot off of the gas to decelerate gradually. Maintaining a safe following distance gives you space for a gradual slow down. Apply pressure to the brake gently to complete the stop. 

 

How to Cope With Hydroplaning

 Hydroplaning threatens the control of your vehicle. Hydroplaning occurs when the layer of water on the road prevents your tires from connecting with the pavement. The result is sliding out of control. All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive will not protect you from the possibility of hydroplaning. 

 

 Since hydroplaning conditions could strike at any time on a wet road, you have to be ready. As soon as you enter wet conditions, shut off your cruise control. Cruise control can be disastrous during hydroplaning because your wheels will keep spinning at too high of a speed for you to regain control. 

 

 You may see that the car ahead of you left tracks in the layer of water on a very wet road. Try to keep your tires in those tracks where the water is somewhat shallower. 

 

 If you feel your vehicle slide, slow down but do NOT slam on the brakes. Steer to stay in your lane. If you spin or fishtail, steer in the direction of the spin. This may feel counterintuitive, but it can put you back on the right course. 

 

What to Do After an Accident

 If possible, move your vehicle out of the path of traffic. If rain is still falling, visibility is low. Only exit your vehicle to exchange information with the other driver if you can do so safely. Call 911 to report the accident. Be honest with the police but never admit fault to the responding officer or the other driver. You may not know precisely what happened. Even if you think that you’re unhurt, seek a medical exam as soon as possible. 

 

Learn About Your Rights

 

 Whether you need to make a claim on your insurance policy or a third party’s policy, legal advice could protect your financial interests. Las Vegas car accident lawyers understand the critical issues that make a difference during accident investigations, insurance negotiations, and litigation. Contact Moss Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.