Driving, texting, eating a burger-all at the same time and, now, it starts to rain. Most drivers over-exsert their focus while behind the wheel, which makes rainy conditions that much more dangerous.
A downpour is difficult to drive in, especially if you are driving on the highway. If you want to live to send your next text, you better prepare for rainy conditions. This article offers tips for driving in the rain by an auto accident attorney in Spokane.
Tips from an Auto Accident Attorney in Spokane
Drivers, today, have more to be distracted by than ever. While texting and driving is the leading cause of teen accidents, road dangers are exacerbated by poor weather conditions. According to the Department of Transportation, 22 per cent, of the nearly six million, average annual crashes are caused by weather-related conditions.
The impact of rain on roads can be extremely dangerous. Driving on a rainy urban expressway with poor tire tread, at high speeds is a perfect recipe for disaster.
Take it from this auto accident attorney in Spokane: if you want to avoid filing a car accident police report-or worse-follow these tips for driving in the rain:
Turn Off Cruise Control
Cruise control is great when you are on long trips. But, when the road conditions get hazardous, turn it off. Rain and cruise control don’t mix.
Your cruise control understands what speed you want to drive at. It does not know when the tires are skidding or hydroplaning. Even when it loses traction, the car will continue to accelerate.
When your foot is on the pedal, you can tell is you have lost traction. It is imperative to respond immediately if your car starts to skid-which is not possible with cruise control active.
If you try to break while skidding you can lose control of your vehicle. This is especially dangerous if you are driving uphill or downhill. If cruise control is active when you go into a skid you will deactivate it by breaking-which is a bad idea.
Observe the 5 to 8 Second Rule
In drivers education courses, you learn to give at least three seconds of space to the car in front of you. In optimal driving conditions, three seconds is enough time to see and react to a road event. But, in poor driving conditions, you need more reaction time.
Give yourself a five to eight-second space between your car and the car in front of you. In the event of heavy rain and poor visibility, five seconds is barely enough time to avoid a collision.
Measure how much time you have to react to the car in front of you by matching their speed. Then, pick a visual point ahead of you and start counting when the car in front of yours passes it. The number of seconds, between when the first car passes the stable point, to when your car passes it, is the amount of reaction time you have.
Stay Calm and Respond Correctly to Skids
Become comfortable with proper driving technique when your car is skidding. The most important thing is to stay calm. If you start to panic the dangers increase, exponentially.
Point the tires in the direction you want to move, and let your foot off of the gas. Do not pump the breaks, but press down, gradually. Try to counteract the skid with light force, instead of slamming on the breaks.
As long as you observe the rules for driving in the rain you can avoid an accident. If you are in an accident because of poor driving conditions, consult an accident attorney.
Final Thoughts
Driving is the most dangerous thing you do in your day, but your safety is in your hands. Take it from this auto accident attorney in Spokane-these tips can save the life of you, your loved ones, and those that drive near you. When driving in the rain, remember to stay calm and find your traction.
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