When driving on wet roads, motorists must be acutely aware of their surroundings. They must pay attention to other motorists driving around them, watching for loss of control. They must also be aware of the road conditions and the control of their vehicle, making sure to follow certain road safety tips to reduce the risk of accident or injury. Many motorists may feel anxious to drive in these conditions, but with proper adherence to these road safety tips, the risks can be abated. In the unfortunate circumstance that one does experience personal injury from driving on wet roads or any other adverse driving condition, it may be beneficial for the individual to contact a Shillen Mackall Seldon & Spicer personal injury lawyer, working throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, & Florida, at (802) 457-4848 to understand all their legal rights. In the following sections, 5 road safety tips for driving on wet roads that may help to reduce the risk of personal injury will be discussed and explained for the reader’s benefit.
Why is it Important to Understand Road Safety?
It is imperative for motorists to understand how to remain safe on the roads, especially during periods of inclement weather. There are many hazardous conditions that one can experience driving through, from snow and ice, to rain and heat. These different conditions require different approaches to maintain a safe and low-risk driving experience. Driving on wet roads can be dangerous if one is not properly prepared. Following these five road safety tips below may help to decrease risk of injury for drivers and their passengers.
Tip 1: You Do Not Have to Drive the Speed Limit
In adverse road conditions, one of the greatest road safety tips that can be followed includes driving under the speed limit. Though this may seem unnecessary to some, it is actually a great way to reduce the risk of injury. The US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration recommends that individuals adjust their driving speed to that of the road conditions. The speed limit assumes the conditions of the road are at their best, but when driving on wet roads, these conditions are not maximal, and, as such, the driver should consider adjusting their speed to fit the conditions of the road.
Tip 2: Give Yourself More Time to Get Where You Are Going
In connection to the last road safety tip, individuals should attempt to leave 10-15 minutes earlier than they would with optimal road conditions. Because driving on wet roads can create hazardous road conditions, one may be better off driving under the speed limit. In order to still arrive on time for appointments and engagements, it may be necessary to leave earlier in these conditions. Giving oneself an extra 10-15 minutes to arrive at commitments will relieve stress and reduce the risk of driving faster than is safe. In the unfortunate case that you or a loved one experiences injury from adverse road conditions, consider contacting a knowledgeable Vermont, New Hampshire, or Florida personal injury lawyer from Shillen Mackall Seldon & Spicer.
Tip 3: When Experiencing a Skid, Continue Steering Where You Want To Go and Avoid Slamming the Brakes
One of the scariest things that can happen while driving on wet roads is hydroplaning or skidding. Though this is often a stressful experience, it is important to remain calm if the car begins to skid. Continue to steer in the direction you wish to move and avoid slamming the breaks as this can result in a more complete loss of control. To reduce the risk of skidding, drive slowly and carefully, avoiding standing water on the road and following in the tracks of other vehicles ahead of you.
Tip 4: Avoid Using Cruise Control
When driving on wet roads, it is important to maintain control of the vehicle. Though it may be easier to put the vehicle on cruise control, especially while driving on the highway, it is not a risk worth taking. Cruise control can reduce the driver’s focus, creating conditions that may result in more accidents. Cruise control does not take into account the conditions of the road. It will maintain speed no matter the conditions. The human mind can determine when to adjust speed based on rainy and wet conditions much better and more accurately than cruise control can. It may take more focus from the driver, but not relying on cruise control can reduce the risk of accidents, keeping individuals safer on the roads.
Tip 5: Plan Routes Ahead of Time
A final road safety tip to consider is planning your trips beforehand. This allows you to find routes that will be clear of standing or rushing water, in the case of flooding, and will be the safest and most direct path to the destination. Though more thought is necessary to put into this practice, it will ultimately keep you and your family safer, making it a road safety tip worthy to be remembered.
Things to Remember About Road Safety
To remain safe on the roads while driving in adverse conditions, motorists should consider following these road safety tips, but they should also take on the principles behind them. Planning ahead when in less than ideal circumstances is a skill necessary to be developed. This includes planning a route based on road conditions, packing water, blankets, and food in the case of getting stranded on the roadside, and even leaving 10-15 minutes earlier than typical to accommodate slower driving speeds. It is important to plan and prepare for the risks that driving on wet roads can entail, increasing safety when driving in these adverse conditions.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer if You Suffered Injuries as a Result of Wet Roads
If the unfortunate does happen and, after following these road safety tips, you experience an accident and injury, it may be beneficial to contact a personal injury lawyer. Shillen Mackall Seldon & Spicer’s experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyers may be able to help you understand your legal rights as you navigate through the healing and compensation necessary after experiencing an injury. Consider contacting a personal injury lawyer at (802) 457-4848 to begin learning about your legal rights.