Most drivers have spent their fair share of time traveling in the rain. You, like many others, undoubtedly know that the roadways can become more dangerous during inclement weather and that other drivers do not always take the time to drive more safely.
You may not count yourself among those other people who do not make accommodations for roadway conditions, and this is wise of you. By taking the time to slow down and take other precautions during rainy and windy weather, you may avoid causing a serious car accident. Still, you may not remain completely safe due to the actions of others.
Tips for rainy weather
Though even a light rain can cause Tennessee roadways to become more treacherous, most people need to pay attention to their driving and other vehicles when heavy rain or strong winds are present. When it comes to driving in heavy rain, one of the best tips is to stay off the road if you can. Of course, that option is not always an available one. If you must get out, you may want to keep the following driving tips in mind:
- Keep your lights on: Driving with your headlights on will help you see the road and objects ahead more clearly as well as help other drivers see your vehicle.
- Slow down: Reducing your speed can help you avoid hydroplaning and losing control of your vehicle.
- Wait if possible: When the rain first begins, roads can be even slicker because the water causes oil on the road to come to the surface. Waiting can allow some of the oil to wash away, and if you are lucky, the rain may slack up.
- Increase your following distance: Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you is always a safe practice, and increasing that distance in the rain can give you more time to stop and lessen the chance of a rear-end collision.
Many people may obviously think of rain as a safety issue, but heavy winds can also pose serious risks.
Tips for strong winds
Strong winds and sudden gusts can cause much more harm than many people consider. If you must drive on a particularly windy day, remembering the following suggestions:
- Remember gusts: Strong winds are certainly an issue, but sudden gusts can cause many drivers to swerve. Anticipating gusts may help you stay in control.
- Firmly grip the steering wheel: Having both hands on the steering wheel helps maintain control at any time, and keeping a firm grip during windy weather can help with control.
- Watch out for large vehicles: Bigger vehicles, like RVs and tractor-trailers, often catch the wind more easily, and as a result, drivers of such vehicles may have a harder time staying in the correct lane.
Whether wind or rain, road conditions can become dangerous quickly. In the event that another driver causes an accident that leads to your injury, seek medical attention immediately and consider looking into your legal options for pursuing compensation.