Personal Injury Attorney | Driving In Wet Conditions
Personal Injury Attorney | Driving In Wet Conditions
Personal Injury Attorney | Even with the reduced visibility and traction that comes with wet-weather driving, however, many of these accidents are preventable. Below we provide some recommendations on how to lessen some of the risks brought about by precipitation, whether it’s snow, ice, rain or fog.
Rain and Fog
Rain can quickly create dangerous driving conditions, and is blamed for thousands of accidents annually. Most accidents result from drivers who don’t realize how much driving changes in wet weather compared to dry conditions. For example, during the first few hours of a rainstorm, accumulated oil and engine fluids can float on the rainwater and create a slippery road surface before they are eventually washed away. This risk is increased when an area that receives little precipitation is hit by a downpour.
Fog is another hazard drivers face: it can rapidly reduce a driver’s vision, making for hazardous conditions in an instant. To help navigate when driving in heavy fog – or in any situation with reduced visibility – you can use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide.
A good rule to follow is whenever you turn on your windshield wipers, turn on your lights, as you’ll be more visible to other motorists. Keep your headlights on low beam, especially in the case of fog, as the additional light reflects of the water droplets in the air, actually making it harder to see.
Snow
One of the best rules for driving in snow is to take it slow: everything should be done gradually. For example, when climbing a hill, don’t accelerate too quickly, as it will usually result in your wheels spinning. Instead, as you approach a hill try to maintain your momentum while on level ground, and continue that speed up the hill. As you reach the top, reduce speed and proceed down slowly. Another tip: try to avoid stopping when going up a hill, as it can be hard to get a vehicle moving again once it stops on a snow-covered hill. Remember that it takes a lot longer to stop on snow-covered roads.
Another good idea when it is snowing or the landscape is snow covered is to drive with your lights on. Diminished visibility and the lack of contrast between the color of a vehicle and the terrain can be reduced by a car’s headlights. Having your headlights on also helps smaller cars to be seen, as they are much less visible when compared to larger cars or SUVs.
Since 1989, the personal injury attorneys of Clekis Law Firm have been representing injured people and their families in Charleston and throughout the Low Country. At the Clekis Law Firm our clients always come first. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury due to the negligence of another, don’t be victimized twice. You need someone on your side to help you with your personal injury case and obtain the fair and reasonable compensation that you deserve. Call Clekis at 843.779.1160!
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