How to drive safely on wet roads

The American Auto Association has reported that rainy weather is to blame for about 1.2 million vehicular accidents annually. Tennessee drivers should be extra cautious when traveling on wet roadways.

To avoid crashing during rainy weather, there are some safety points every driver should keep in mind. First, drivers should make sure their tires are in good condition. Properly inflated tires with healthy treads can perform well by gripping wet road surfaces and stopping quickly. Vehicle owners can weekly examine each tire with a pressure gauge to make sure they are correctly inflated.

Another tip for safe driving on wet roadways is alertness. Drivers should observe potholes and try to avoid them because they can severely damage a vehicle. Motorists who observe other vehicles traveling nearby can avoid wrecks by maintaining a good distance away from them. Traveling too closely to other cars can decrease a driver’s chances for stopping quickly in emergencies, especially in incremental weather conditions. As a rule, drivers should stay no less than four seconds behind other vehicles when traveling on wet roads.

When a motor vehicle accident occurs, those involved may suffer severe loss or permanent disability due to a neck or brain injury. If an injured party believes a driver caused the accident due to negligence, the party might hold the accused driver responsible for damages through a civil claim. A personal injury lawyer may be able to use information from police reports and witness accounts to prove the accident could have been avoided and was solely caused by the accused driver’s negligent conduct. Plaintiffs who prevail in such cases are often awarded compensation to offset their financial losses, including medical costs, lost income and property damage. In some circumstances, the award could cover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering.

Source: Direct General, “Wet Weather Driving Tips for the Spring,” Accessed April 13, 2015