Drivers not prepared for wet weather conditions cause many car accidents. Each year, there are about 1.2 million motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. relating to adverse weather conditions. Each year, 47% of weather related crashes happen during rainfall. To avoid involvement in one of these kinds of accidents, drivers should take the appropriate safety precautions before getting behind the wheel.
One of the biggest mistakes that drivers make when it is raining is following other vehicles too closely.
Due to an increase in risk of skidding and hydroplaning on wet pavement, drivers should allow four seconds of distance behind the car in front of them. Drivers can count how many seconds it takes to reach a stationary object after the car in front of them to determine distance.
During wet weather conditions, drivers should also pay close attention to potholes in the road.
Rain causes potholes in pavement and driving over them can damage a car’s tires and front end alignment. If you can’t safely avoid a pothole, it is important not to brake while driving directly over it. Drivers should try to brake before reaching the pothole but take their foot off the brake while going over it.
A person who is injured in a car accident because of another driver’s failure to use caution in wet weather or other adverse conditions may want to talk to a lawyer to determine the remedies that are available. It is often possible for a car accident victim to recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit covering medical expenses and lost wages.
Contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. to meet with our highly experienced Alaskan personal injury attorney to discuss your case: 907.452.5400 or visit www.merdes.com. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
