With states like Texas and Louisiana, it’s hard for residents to avoid the seasonal rain pour from tropical storms. Rain in this area happens frequently, so these residents are no stranger to flooded roads. However, roads slick with rain are dangerous. They cause skids, hydroplaning, and rear-end accidents.
It’s important to be safe while driving during a rainstorm, especially during hurricane season. Houston car accident lawyer Hank Stout provides the top four tips to have while driving during a storm.
Safety Tips While Driving During a Storm
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Make Sure Your Car is in Good Condition
Rain or shine, it’s important that your vehicle is in good condition to drive. One of the common risks people take while driving in the rain is taking a car out that is in a poor state. This may be driving with a muggy windshield, worn wiper blades, or poorly-lit headlights or taillights.
In order to be a safe driver during a storm, it’s important that your vehicle is properly and continually maintained or else dire consequences can occur.
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Don’t Drive with Brights
As soon as a storm hits as you’re driving, it’s procedure to turn your lights and windshield wipers on. Visibility, whether it be for you or for others, is essential as soon as rain starts to pour. Some cars come with automatic lights, but some still require a manual switch.
Brights, however, are lights that aren’t recommended during a storm. These lights are brighter than the normal headlights. If these are on during a rainstorm, the light can irritate other drivers and reflect blindingly off wet roads.
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Proceed with Caution
One of the key rules in driving during a storm is to drive with caution. The more the roads are wet, the slicker they are. If you speed during a storm, you can easily cause a car accident due to hydroplaning or skidding.
The best thing for all drivers to do while on the road during a storm is to go slow and proceed with caution. Avoid cruise control, as well.
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Avoid Flooding At All Costs
When it rains, it pours, and when it pours, it floods. When this happens, it’s best to avoid flooded roads at all possible. Drivers can lose control with as little as a few inches of rainwater on pavement. Once tires lose road traction, the vehicle can swerve out of control.
If a road is closed due to flooding, don’t attempt to cross it. Turn around to higher, and safer, ground.
