Safe Driving in Rainy Weather to Prevent Mobile, Alabama, Auto Accidents

While there are many causes of auto accidents in Mobile, Alabama, one of the most frequently seen factors is the weather. In fact, almost 25% of all auto accidents are caused by inclement weather conditions. This is an especially important factor to be aware of in Mobile, Alabama, because this area sees more than 67 inches of rain each year. Many people don’t realize how dangerous rainy weather can be for drivers, and you may think that you have the experience and skills to avoid collisions. However, with so many drivers on the road on any given rainy day, it can be hard to predict how your driving and the driving of others can be affected. Today, we’ll look at some of the hazards that are associated with rainy weather on the roads of Mobile, Alabama. We’ll also pinpoint some of the most effective tips for avoiding auto accidents in rainy weather and what you can do if one happens.

Hazards Associated with Rainy Weather and Mobile, AL, Auto Accidents

Many people feel perfectly comfortable driving in rainy weather. It may be that you are confident in your driving, that you have many years of experience in driving in such weather conditions, or that you simply don’t realize the significance of the hazards of rainy weather. Yet, it is often those who are most confident in their driving ability in rainy weather conditions who are actually at greatest risk of causing an auto accident. Those who are more conscious of the potential of getting into an accident are more likely to engage in safer and more cautious driving behaviors when the weather calls for it. Some hazards that drivers face in Mobile, Alabama, when the weather is rainy include:

• Hydroplaning on roads where a film of water has collected and impairs traction.
• Obstructed visibility and impaired perceptions in heavy rains.
• Impaired vehicle performance due to slippery roads.

For these reasons, rainy weather significantly increases the likelihood of getting into an auto accident. This is further compounded by the fact that the population in Mobile, Alabama, has been steadily increasing, so there are more people on the road. When you cannot control your vehicle or see the hazards ahead of you, you are at greater risk of causing an accident. Even if you do everything right to avoid a collision, others on the road are also at risk of causing an accident.

Top Safety Tips for Driving in Rainy Weather to Prevent Mobile Auto Accidents

The top tips that you can follow to prevent Mobile, Alabama, auto accidents while driving in rainy weather include preparing your vehicle to drive effectively in wet road conditions, minimizing the speed of your vehicle in rainy weather, and maximizing the distance between yourself and others. It is also a good idea to take an advanced driving class and encourage teenage drivers to do so.

You can prepare your vehicle by making sure that your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated. Once your tires have less than 4/32 inches of tread, replace them. Check them frequently to ensure that they have good pressure. You can also make sure that you have high quality and effective windshield wipers, good working brakes, and working lights on your vehicle.

Reducing your speed is a good way to ensure that you don’t cause an auto accident by hydroplaning or skidding on wet roads. It also gives you time to respond to any other collisions that may occur around you. It is a good idea to drive at about 2/3 of the speed that you would normal drive at when the weather makes the road wet and slippery. Maximizing the distance between yourself and the drivers in front of you is also important for preventing auto accidents. While the general rule is to have three seconds of space between vehicles, our rainy weather advice is to switch to six seconds of space.

Taking advanced driving classes is another good idea, especially for any teenage drivers who may live in your home. You want to be well prepared when it comes to identifying potential hazards and responding appropriately. An advanced driving class can make it easier to avoid many hazards that might otherwise result in serious and even deadly auto accidents. You can learn a lot from these classes, including how to handle hydroplaning or skidding if such situations should occur. By ensuring that teenagers also take these classes, you can set them up for a lifetime of safe driving.

Other Important Tips for Driving in Rainy Weather to Prevent Mobile, AL, Auto Accidents

Aside from these top safety tips for driving in rainy weather to prevent Mobile, AL, auto accidents, there are many other things that you can do to keep yourself and others safe on wet roads. The most important thing is to remember that everyone is at risk for rainy weather hazards, even if you feel confident in your ability to drive safely and avoid such hazards. The following tips will keep you, your passengers, and others on the road safe when the weather works against you:

• Make sure that your headlights are working and turned on when visibility is poor.
• Use your brakes earlier and more slowly when you drive in wet weather.
• When possible, use the middle lane.
• Plan ahead before you get on the road and allow yourself more time to reach your destination.
• Avoid hydroplaning by not using cruise control when it’s raining.
• Avoid driving through puddles, as they may be deeper than you think or cause hydroplaning.
• When you do go through a puddle, tap your brakes afterward to dry the rotors.
• Make sure that your windows don’t fog up in the rain.
• Pay careful attention to other drivers who may clear a path or may not drive safely.

What to Do if You Start to Hydroplane on Wet Roads in Mobile

One of the most important things to be aware of when driving in rainy conditions in Mobile is to avoid making things worse if you start to hydroplane. When this happens, you should not brake or try to turn. Many people make these mistakes because they seem like natural responses to losing control of your vehicle. However, the best thing you can do is to ease off the gas and attempt to steer straight.

If you do end up in a rainy weather auto accident in Mobile, Alabama, call Charles McCorquodale Law to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you recover compensation.

If you were injured in a crash in Alabama, contact a dedicated Mobile car accident attorney from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. Our legal team has been representing the injured for more than 30 years. Call 844-765-5443 today to schedule a free initial consultation.