When rainy weather occurs, driving conditions can be impacted dramatically. Unfortunately, another driver’s ability to handle a vehicle under wet conditions could mean the difference between an accident and making it home safely. If you are struck by another driver as a result of his or her handling of the vehicle in the rain, you may have a claim for compensation.
Four Ways Poor Driving in Wet Conditions Caused Your Car Accident Injuries
How can poor driving skills contribute to a car accident under wet road conditions? The following is an overview:
The other driver was using cruise control even though the road conditions were wet.
Research has shown that cruise control use should be avoided when it is raining because the wet conditions increase the chance that the driver will lose control over the vehicle. When cruise control is set, the driver cannot take the foot off the accelerator in order to reduce the vehicle’s speed and prevent the vehicle from losing traction with the road. In addition, cruise control can make it more likely that the driver was not focused on every aspect of driving at the time of the crash.
The other driver was traveling too quickly at the time of the crash.
One of the most crucial aspects of avoiding an accident under rainy conditions is to travel at a reasonable rate of speed. Driving too fast when it is raining increases the chance that the vehicle will hydroplane. When this occurs, the tires of the vehicle rise up on a film of water, making it difficult to control or stop the vehicle. Driving at an appropriate rate of speed given the weather conditions helps to reduce this risk.
The other driver did not allow for a safe distance between his car and yours.
Under rainy conditions, it is especially important for drivers to allow sufficient space between vehicles to provide enough time in order to stop, turn, or take other evasive measures when necessary to avoid a crash.
The other driver did not react properly when the car began to skid.
When skidding occurs during rainy conditions, drivers need to stay calm, continue to look ahead, and steer the car in the direction that is safest. If the other driver instead started to panic and then slammed on the brakes, he or she may have lost control over the vehicle as a result, leading to the crash.
Unfortunately, victims of car accident injuries are often left to deal with insurance companies and this can be a confusing process. We encourage you to arm yourself with knowledge by checking out our free report, Five Myths of Automobile Insurance.