Driving in Rain

Rainy days for some can mean sleeping in and staying home. For most people, however, the routine of work, school, or other ventures must continue. Many injuries and deaths occur each year due to drivers being unable to control their vehicle and see the road clearly. The following are some of the most important items to be aware of when driving in rainy conditions:

• Braking and distance: Slick roads provide less traction for tires, and can result in hydroplaning. Hydroplaning or aquaplaning is the effect caused by a vehicle skidding across water at a constant speed. Braking must be done at a further distance as one would normally brake in dry weather, leaving enough time for the vehicle to slow down.
• Driving after a long dry spell: A recent study has found that the risk of certain accidents increased as the duration of the dry spell prior to the accident increased. This is due to the accumulation of engine oil deposits and grease on the road. Water mixed with oil that has never had the chance to wash away makes roads entirely slicker than regular water.
• Limited visibility: It becomes hard to see other drivers and pedestrians on the road with heavy rainfall. Also, most vehicles will fog in the inside due to outside rain. Not being able to see others on the road or obstructions on the sides of the road can cause severe accidents.

Contact Us

A car accident due to rainy conditions can be fatal. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to a driver’s inability to control his or her vehicle in the rain, contact the Des Moines car accident attorneys of LaMarca & Landry, P.C. at 877-327-2600.