Does Rain Affect Vehicle Accidents and Personal Injuries?

Wet roadways are a significant contributing factor in increased motor vehicle crashes. In a study by theU.S. Department of Transportation
, rain accounted for 10% of motor vehicle crashes between 2007 and 2016. Rain also accounted for 46% of all weather-related crashes. On average, nearly 5,000 people are killed and over 418,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year. Roughly 15% of fatal crashes, 19% of injury crashes, and 22% of property-damage-only crashes are caused annually by adverse weather conditions such as rain.

Rain Affect Vehicle Accidents

Rain reduces visibility distance, decreases pavement friction, and in some instances can obstruct lanes of travel. All of these factors contribute to an increase in motor vehicle accidents.

To avoid becoming a statistic,AAA
suggests checking your windshield wipers, headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals before leaving home. Proper tire tread depth and inflation are very important for maintaining traction on wet roadways.

An easy way to check your tire tread depth is the penny test. Flip a penny so that Abraham Lincoln’s head is upside down, then insert it into the tread of your tire. If his head is NOT partially covered by the tread, it is time to replace your tires.

Other important tips for driving in rainy conditions include avoiding cruise control, slowing down, and leaving extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Vehicles do not stop as quickly on wet roads as they do on dry pavement, so reducing speed and increasing following distance is essential.

If you find yourself in a skid due to wet roads, do not panic. To recover, avoid slamming on the brakes. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Instead, apply firm, steady pressure and steer in the direction of the skid.

If your car begins hydroplaning, do not brake suddenly. Take your foot off the accelerator, keep the steering wheel steady, and gently apply the brakes if necessary.

Be safe out there. And if you find yourself injured due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help you. It’s Your Injury, But It’s Our Fight.

Author