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Weather is considered one of the most common causes of an auto accident. Whether its ice and snow up north or surging rain in South Florida, weather can impact vehicle maneuvering and increase your risk of an accident.
Despite being known as the Sunshine State, Florida’s rainy season, between June and August, leads to almost daily rainfall.
Even if you are a skilled and experienced driver, rain can impact your visibility and cause the roads to become slippery, which is a combination that can lead to a disaster. According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 22% of crashes in the U.S. are weather-related. The vast majority are due to wet pavement and during rainfall. About 73% of weather-related accidents occurred during rainfall.
Of the accidents reported throughout Florida in 2016, about 8.5% occurred during rainy road conditions. In 2015, rain was responsible for nearly 9% of all accidents that led to accident injuries.
During the first few minutes of a rain shower or storm is when the roads are the most slippery. Due to the oils on the road being brought to the surface from the rain, drivers are more likely to lose control and spin out. Another big danger is hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning can occur due to defects in the road and poor drainage. Hydroplaning occurs when the water in the front of the tires builds up quicker than the tire can move it out of the way. The thin layer of water separates the vehicle’s tires from the road, which can prevent the vehicle from braking and turning properly. If you begin to hydroplane, you should not suddenly brake or turn as it can throw your vehicle into a skid until the tires regain traction.
As a Florida resident or visitor, eventually, you will end up driving in the rain. Consider the following tips in order to avoid being injured in an accident.
While it is Florida law to have your headlights on when it is raining, you should not be driving with your hazard lights on – it could actually put you and other drivers in danger.
If you are hurt in a car accident caused by bad weather conditions, you may be entitled to up to $10,000 in medical benefits. Get the treatment you need for your injuries by contacting an experienced chiropractor at ChiroCare of Florida.
With eleven locations throughout South Florida, you can find a convenient location to get the medical attention you need after a car accident.
Read more about the correlation between bad weather and increased car accidents.
