Vehicle crashes can occur at any time. Morning, noon, night, bright sunny day, gloomy and overcast – even the safest drivers can be struck by someone else. Southern California is well known for its warm climate and predominantly dry conditions. When rain finally arrives, however, the roads can become significantly more hazardous. Belal Hamideh, an experienced accident attorney in Long Beach, has helped many who were hurt on the roads to receive compensation for all that they’ve been through.
You can be the most defensive, conscientious driver and still suffer an injury in an accident due to someone else’s negligence. That said, if you’re aware of the difficulties that rainy California roads present and you take certain actions when behind the wheel on those roads, you may have a better chance of reducing the possibility of injury.
How Rain Creates Dangerous Driving Conditions
Rainfall in Southern California is sporadic, sometimes going months without any precipitation. Think of this past fall: seemingly months passed without any rain, only for plenty to come down in late January.
During these long dry periods, oil and grime accumulate on the roads. When rain finally falls, the water mixes with these substances, creating an extremely slippery surface that can cause vehicles to lose traction. The first few hours of rainfall can be especially treacherous, as the accumulated residue lifts from the pavement, making roadways slicker than usual.
With the rains coming in the wake of the recent wildfires, in some places, they made a dangerous situation even worse. Additionally, studies have shown that, in some areas, accident rates can increase by as much as 50% on rainy days.
Common Driving Mistakes in the Rain
Why? For many reasons. One of the primary reasons accidents occur in wet conditions is that many drivers fail to adjust their driving habits to account for the changes in road traction and visibility.
Southern California’s predominantly dry climate means that many drivers are unaccustomed to handling vehicles in the rain. As a result, they often continue driving at normal speeds, follow too closely, or other habits that they may have been able to maintain during optimal weather conditions.
Wet roads require longer stopping distances. Between the tires and the roads, you may very well not be able to stop at a moment’s notice. Driving at a bit of a reduced speed can help, because traveling at high speeds reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.
It’s all too easy to lose control of a vehicle on wet roads. That’s when hydroplaning is more likely to occur. This is when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water. If you see high waters, avoid them, or maintain a slower speed.
Worn tires with insufficient tread depth cannot grip wet roads effectively, making it easier to skid or slide. Faulty windshield wipers and dim headlights further impair visibility, making it harder for drivers to see and react to hazards in time.
There’s more you can do for your vehicle, too. Tires should be checked regularly to ensure they have adequate tread depth, and windshield wipers should be replaced if they leave streaks or fail to clear the windshield properly. Headlights should be used at all times during rainy conditions, not only to improve the driver’s vision but also to make the vehicle more visible to others on the road.
You can’t do everything to prepare for the rain, but you can remedy these conditions on a warm, sunny, and dry day.
Steps Drivers Can Take to Stay Safe
One of the most important things you can do to stay safe on wet roads is one of the most important steps to stay safe in almost any situation: don’t panic. Drivers who are unfamiliar with wet conditions often make abrupt steering adjustments, slam on the brakes, or overcorrect when their vehicle begins to slide. These sudden movements can cause a loss of control, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
Beyond that, you’re usually safer if you slow down. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions, not inches of rain. When the roads are wet, it is crucial to drive at a speed that allows for proper control of the vehicle. Maintaining a greater following distance also gives you time to react. You’ll be able to deal with slowdowns, sudden stops, folks cutting you off, and the like.
Defensive driving is safe driving. Anticipate sudden stops, be mindful of potential hazards such as flooded areas, and avoid abrupt movements that could lead to loss of control. Even if you do everything right, you could still be in an accident, however. But, by following these steps, you reduce the possibility.
Accident Attorney in Long Beach That Supports Victims
As an accident attorney in Long Beach, Belal determines which parties are liable for accidents and then brings a case against all of them on behalf of his clients. When determining fault in a crash that occurs during rainy weather, whether a driver took appropriate precautions is an important consideration.
If a driver was speeding, following too closely, or failed to maintain their vehicle properly, they may be found liable for the damages caused. How can we prove that? Evidence. Skid marks, witness statements, traffic camera footage, property damage, and much more can all play a role in assessing what happened.
Drivers who take the necessary precautions to adapt to rainy conditions not only reduce their risk of being involved in an accident but also protect themselves from potential legal consequences. Following traffic laws, maintaining a safe speed, and ensuring that a vehicle is in proper working condition all contribute to safer roadways for everyone.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident due to someone else’s actions, schedule a free case evaluation with Belal Hamideh by calling or through this site.