Residents of Florida enjoy the often sunny and warm weather conditions that this state offers. Rain, however, is not a foreign concept to those who live in and around Lakeland, Florida. When these sporadic rain showers hit, roadways often become very slick and flooded. Driving in these conditions is not often the safest action.
Vehicle Accidents Caused by Rainy Weather
Even the mildest shower in Florida can make it dangerous for a driver to operate their motor vehicle. When water and oil from vehicles combine on the street, it becomes a slippery surface with less traction for tires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the first ten minutes following a rain shower are the most dangerous and have the greatest potential for causing car accidents. After the oil is washed off the roadway, the surface becomes less slippery.
Many vehicle accidents are caused by hydroplaning, which occurs when the driver is unable to control his or her vehicle on a wet surface because the water has gone in between the tires and the road. This causes the tires to be unable to grip and the driver cannot take control of the vehicle.
What do I do if I am hydroplaning?
When hydroplaning, turning the wheel does not help. As the driver, you may not even be able to use your brakes. So what can you do to avoid hydroplaning and what do you do if hydroplaning occurs?
Take the following safety precautions seriously:
- Keep your tires inflated
- Drive at a reduced speed when it is raining
- Keep a larger distance between you and the car in front when it is raining
- If you feel your tires losing traction, slow down and do not slam on your brakes
- When hydroplaning, take your foot off the gas and begin to coast while putting gentle pressure on the brakes – lower speeds can help your tires regain traction
If you have been involved in an accident that resulted in injuries to yourself or a loved one, speak with our firm at once! Contact Lilly, O’Toole & Brown today to get assistance from the Lakeland personal injury lawyers.
