Even those of us who consider ourselves to be expert drivers may find driving in inclement weather to be challenge - to say the least. Rain, sleet, fog and hail are just some of the examples of driving conditions that increase the chances we will find ourselves in an automobile accident or worse.
Let me begin by saying the best advice I can offer is to avoid driving in bad weather if at all possible. The odds of an accident quadruple in these conditions. But if you must, then let's review proper driving strategies for rain and floods.
Driving in the rain:
• Improve visibility, turn on your lights and defroster. NJ law requires your headlights to be on when your wipers are on.
• Avoid sudden moves, try to drive in the tracks of the car ahead, reduce your speed, allow for additional stopping distance.
• Hydroplaning occurs when the tires of your car lose contact with the road and ride up on a wedge of water. Make sure your tires have proper treads and are properly inflated. If you do hydroplane, keep the steering wheel straight, take your foot off the gas. Don't hit your brakes or try to steer. As you slow, the weight of the car will cause it to settle down onto the road again.
• Be very cautious in light rain or mist. Oil and dirt on the roadway surface make driving extra slippery.
• Remember, puddles can hide potentially damaging potholes.
Driving in floods:
• Do not attempt to drive through flood waters. The water may be deeper than it looks. Two (2) feet of water will carry away most automobiles.
• If you happen to drive into an area where water is running swiftly, the force of the current may pull your car to one side. If this happens ease off the gas pedal, but don't touch the brakes. Then steer away from the swift water.
• If your car is caught in a flash flood, get out of your car immediately and move to higher ground.
Recently, a Houston woman drown when she would not get out of her car before it sank. If you get caught in a flood find safety and worry about your car later- it can be replaced.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston personal injury lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with an accident lawyer in Houston call the Baumgartner firm.
Source:
bcoem.org
