Rain may not seem dangerous to drive in, but it contributes to a number of car accidents. This is because it decreases visibility, reduces roadway friction, and leaves puddles of standing water, all which create hazardous road conditions. Unfortunately, not everyone adjusts their driving habits to accommodate for the change in weather, and as a result, the attorneys at Neimark & Neimark are presented with many personal injury cases every year. Below, the New City, NY, law firm discusses the best practices for driving in heavy rain. 

5 Safety Tips for Driving in Rainy Weather 

1. Reduce Your Speed 

When it’s raining and the roads are wet, the vehicle will need a longer distance to come to a complete stop. It’s important to reduce your speed, so you have enough time to stop at traffic lights and make sudden stops in traffic. Keep in mind that the posted speed limit is for pleasant conditions and isn’t meant to be followed in the rain.

2. Give Other Vehicles Plenty of Space 

Although it’s never wise to follow too closely behind other vehicles, it becomes especially risky in heavy rain. Many personal injury cases involve injuries caused by rear-end collisions. Give yourself and other cars around you plenty of space to react to traffic as needed. 

3. Keep the Headlights on 

Any time you need to use the windshield wipers, turn your headlights on. This makes you more visible to other motorists out on the road and helps prevent collisions leading to personal injury claims. Additionally, it’s the law in New York for drivers to keep their headlights on in harsh weather. 

4. Avoid Standing Water

A vehicle can lose control in only a couple inches of standing water. Driving through large puddles can cause you to hydroplane and damage the engine and electrical components. It’s not always easy to tell how deep a puddle is, so it’s best to go around any areas of standing water. 

5. Don’t Use Cruise Control 

Cruise control should only be used in dry weather. Having it set when the roads are slick and wet is dangerous. It will significantly increase the risk of hydroplaning because you’re moving at a constant speed, which doesn’t allow the vehicle to detect water on the road. 

Although these safety tips are simple precautions every driver should remember to take, not all motorists make the necessary modifications during inclement weather. If you are injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence in the rain, consult a personal injury attorney at Neimark & Neimark right away. They will assess the details of your injuries and help you navigate the claims process. They have an impressive track record for getting injury victims throughout Orange and Rockland counties the maximum compensation they deserve. Call (888) 725-7424 to discuss a case. Visit them online to learn more about their legal services.