Florida’s nickname may be the sunshine state, but the weather may not be sunny for a few more weeks. As rain and strong wind continue through the St. Petersburgh area and the rest of Western Florida, commuters face an increased risk of car accidents. Slippery roads make for dangerous driving conditions, and strong gusts of wind can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
To help you stay safe in the rainy winter weather, we have compiled a list of some safe-driving tips that you should review.
Tips for driving in rainy conditions
Staying safe on winter roads is all about caution. By putting these tips to use, you may prevent a dangerous motor vehicle accident and personal injury.
- Decrease your speed
No one enjoys sitting in traffic on a rainy day—you would much rather be at home. However, you should slow down when driving in wet conditions. If your car skids and you are in an accident, you will be stuck in traffic much longer.
- Increase following distance
Slippery roads make braking in time difficult. Increasing your following distance can give you much-needed reaction time if the vehicle in front of you makes a sudden stop.
- Turn off cruise control
The convenience of cruise control is not worth the risk of an accident. In rainy weather, it increases the chance of losing control of your car. Save the cruise control for dry conditions.
- Ignore technological distractions
Distracted driving, such as using cellphones or handheld navigation devices, is always dangerous. Rain and wind only exacerbate the dangers of distracted driving. Concentrating on the road is crucial, particularly in heavy rain and wind.
Avoiding an accident is not always possible
Even if you implement these tips and drive as carefully as possible, not everyone can avoid an accident. The most cautious driver could suffer an injury because of another motorist’s negligence. If you are in an accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Get the other driver’s name, license plate number and insurance information
- Gather information from other witnesses
- Document the accident scene with photographs
- Consider your legal options if you want compensation for damages
