5 Safety Tips for Driving Through Heavy Rain

According to The Post and Courier , South Carolina’s hurricane season starts on June 1 and lasts until November. Forecasters are already calling for a more active storm system this fall, so residents should prepare for frequent downpours and heavy winds.

You should also prepare to stay off the roads whenever possible during showers. The Road Weather Management Program reports that rain is responsible for approximately 10 percent of all auto accidents and 8 percent of crash fatalities around the country.

Even if you’re an experienced driver who knows how to adapt when the weather is poor, you cannot rely on everyone around you to do the same. If you sustained injuries in a crash with a motorist who was driving recklessly in adverse weather, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages.

Attorney Doug Churdar will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation with a Greenville car accident lawyer from the Churdar Law Firm.

Here are five tips to help you avoid rain-related accidents:

Stress can impair your focus and result in a serious collision, regardless of the road conditions. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm when driving in the rain. If you find yourself gripping the steering wheel so hard that your knuckles turn white, pull over to a safe place and wait until the rain has passed before getting back on the road.

Even brand new tires can lose contact with the road when conditions are wet, and chances are your tires have at least a little wear and tear. As a result, hydroplaning and skidding are common in the rain, so make sure you leave additional stopping distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you during stormy weather.

If police close a road and divert traffic away from it, there’s a reason why; however, every time it rains, there are always a few motorists who think they can make it through a flooded street.

Cars are not designed to travel through water, and you risk your safety every time you attempt to do so. For that reason, you should always follow all road closure signs during heavy rainstorms.

It is important to adjust your speed according to the road conditions. During heavy rain, that typically means traveling slower than the posted speed limit.

Pursuant to S.C. Code of Laws 56-5-4450 , your headlights must be on whenever your windshield wipers are activated. Even if you’re driving in the middle of the afternoon, make sure you turn on your headlights if it’s raining. This will help other motorists see you, and it will increase your own field of vision

Unfortunately, even if you follow the above tips, you can still end up in a collision with a reckless driver. If you were hurt in an accident that was not your fault, contact the Churdar Law Firm.

Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a case evaluation with a Greenville personal injury attorney who has 25 years of experience. You can learn more about car accident claims in South Carolina by visiting USAttorneys.com.