The United States Census Bureau reports that Georgia has more than 10.9 million residents. Georgia also has some of the busiest and most crowded roads in the United States. A large amount of traffic in the state contributes to motor vehicle accidents.
Rain is a common weather condition. Most drivers will drive in rainy weather several times a year, but it’s also a common cause of accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration reports that rain is the leading cause of weather-related motor vehicle accidents. More than 3,400 people die and more than 357,300 people get hurt during crashes that occur in the rain.
There are several hazards and risks associated with driving during the rain, but you can take a few precautions to improve your safety in inclement weather.
Avoid driving in deep water
Water levels often rise when it rains, and if the area doesn’t have good drainage, flooding can occur. You can get stuck or worse by trying to drive in deep water. The lines in the road are a good indication of the depth of the water. If the water is high enough to obscure the road markings, that means the water is too deep to drive through and could cause a car accident.
Use your lights carefully
Driving in a downpour can make it difficult for others to see you. Turning on your headlights and tail lights makes your vehicle more visible. However, turning your lights on bright can make things worse. Bright lights reflecting off the wet road can hinder your vision and the vision of others on the road, so stick with normal headlights instead of your brights.
Drive slower
It’s easy to lose control of your car when the road is wet. That’s why it’s important to slow down when driving in the rain. Normally, experts recommend sticking to the speed limit (or the speed used by vehicles around you), but it’s often better to drive below the speed limit when it’s raining.
The safest way to drive in the rain is to not drive at all. If possible, wait until it stops raining before getting behind the wheel. If you must drive in the rain, keep the above suggestions in mind to help prevent rain-related vehicle accidents.
