The New Orleans car accident lawyers of The Olinde Firm want everyone to be safe on our Louisiana roads. Below are five tips for driving in the rain that may reduce your risk of being injured in a New Orleans car accident.
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Slow Down
Reducing your driving speed is one of the most effective ways of avoiding a car accident when driving in the rain. Wet roads and speeding vehicles can lead to catastrophic traffic accidents.
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Do Not Use Cruise Control
Cruise control can be a terrific feature for driving on the highway or interstate when roads are dry. However, if the roads are wet, cruise control can increase the chance of a hydroplane because cruise control is much like leaving your foot on the gas pedal and steadily holding the pedal down. When a vehicle hydroplanes, most experts advise drivers not to use the gas or the brakes. Cruise control can engage either of those pedals, making the situation worse.
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Turn Off High Beam Headlights
It can be tempting to use your high beams when it is stormy. However, the high beams create a reflection off the wet road that can make it more difficult to see the road ahead. Instead, leave your headlights on low beams for better visibility.
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Check Your Tires
If your tires are worn, you could place yourself at a higher risk of an accident in rainy weather. The treads on tires help the tires grip the road. In addition, check the pressure of your tires. Tires that are overinflated or underinflated could contribute to a car crash in the rain.
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Drive in The Tracks of Other Vehicles
If the vehicles in front of you make tracks on the road, try to drive in those tracks. Driving in the tracks of other vehicles decreases the amount of water between your vehicle and the road. This practice can reduce the risk of losing control of your vehicle in rainy conditions.
AAA Exchange has much more information about how to drive in wet weather on its website.
Filing a Car Accident Claim for Wet Weather Accidents
You might assume that you cannot file an injury claim because your accident occurred in wet weather. However, you might be entitled to compensation for your damages if the other driver was negligent in causing the crash. In many wet weather car accidents, there are factors that contribute to the crash other than the wet weather. For instance, if the other driver was speeding or following too closely, the other driver could have contributed to the cause of the crash.
If you are injured in a wet weather car accident, you should not assume that you are not entitled to compensation. We encourage you to contact our New Orleans car accident attorneys for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. You could be entitled to receive money for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by a car crash.
Contact Our New Orleans Car Accident Attorneys
Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.