Driving in the rain can be dangerous. When roads are wet, cars don’t stop as quickly and accidents happen. However, wet weather accidents can be avoided. Read below for tips on driving in the rain that will help you avoid rainy weather accidents in and around Chicago.
If you are involved in a car accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today. You can call us at (312) 236-2900 or use our online contact form.
In Illinois, you are legally required to turn on your headlights when you are operating your windshield wipers. Even if it is barely sprinkling, it’s best to turn on your lights so that others can see you clearly. Some cars blend into the clouds, fog, and rain, so headlights can help distinguish where you are on the road.
Although the speed limit may be 70 mph on highways in Illinois, you should slow down if it’s raining. It can be harder to see in front and around you in the rain, and stopping times may be increased with wet roads. By slowing down, you give yourself more time to process where other cars are on the roads. It also won’t take you as long to stop if you do have to apply the brakes.
Make sure you stay a safe distance behind cars in front of you when it is raining. If they slam on their brakes, you risk running into them. You can avoid this by giving them plenty of space and remaining aware.
You should also avoid heavy braking while in the rain. If you need to stop, calmly apply your brakes and slow down consistently so you don’t slide. If you slam on your brakes, you risk losing control and sliding into them.
Heavy downpours often result in pooling water, especially towards the sides of roads. This can cause your car to hydroplane and you may lose control.
If you do slide on water, don’t slam on your brakes. Slowly and calmly press your brakes while holding the wheel steady. Don’t overcorrect yourself or make a sudden turning of your wheel. Once you regain control, you may take a minute or two to calm yourself down.
When it rains, your windows are more likely to fog up due to an increase in the humidity. Most cars’ ventilation systems have settings that can reduce this type of fogging on the interior of the windows and windshield.
The condensation will not go away until you’ve balanced the temperature inside and outside of the car. To warm up your car, turn the blower to the windshield and turn down the air conditioner to the lowest setting possible. This will increase the temperature on the inside of the glass. If that doesn’t work, you may have to turn on the heater for a few seconds.
The fog on the inside of your windshield should go away quickly once you hit the right balance of temperature. However, if it does not, you should pull over and wait until you can see again before you drive.
Rainy day car accidents can be stressful. Not only is your car damaged, but you must stand in the rain to swap information and wait for the police to arrive. Let Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. reduce the stress in your next steps. Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. We will handle the insurance claim and help you throughout the personal injury process. Call us today at (312) 236-2900 or use our online contact form.
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