Rainy Weather and Car Accidents

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that more than 5.8 million car crashes occur every year. Approximately 21 percent of those are due to bad weather, including snow, ice, wind, and rain. Rainy weather and wet pavement are the top two hazardous conditions, causing more accidents than any other weather related crashes.

At Springer & Lyle, we are concerned about weather related car crashes. We know that blinding rain often occurs in a sudden outburst, reducing visibility from good to almost no visibility at all. This can happen in a matter of seconds and cause major and devastating car crashes resulting in serious and severe injuries.

Relevant Statistics

Safewise, an independent review site, analyzed the number of car crashes due to inclement weather and made the following findings:

• There are significantly more car accidents in rainy weather than in snowy conditions. In 2016 in the U.S., there were 2,145 car accidents in rainy conditions and only 445 crashes in snowy weather.
• In 2016, 2,368 people died in rainy weather car crashes. In snow-related crashes, there were 482 deaths.
• October is the worst month for both rain and snow-related crashes.

One meteorology professor believes that one reason there are more accidents in wet weather is because drivers are less cautious than they are when driving in other weather conditions like ice and snow.

Safety Advice for Driving in the Rain

Safewise and Travelers Indemnity Company have tips for driving safely in the rain.

• Slow down. Driving too fast can cause your car to hydroplane or skid off  the road. The oil on roads make them very slick when the rain starts hitting. This makes it easy to lose control of your car.
• Turn your lights on. Visibility in rain storms can be tough. This will help other cars see you.
• Give the car in front of you more space than usual in case that driver slams on his or her brakes.
• If you feel your car sliding, turn into the direction of the slide and do not slam on your brakes, but brake slowly.

Even if you follow all the safe driving tips, you still need to watch out for other drivers on the road who are not as careful as you are. If you are injured in an accident in rainy weather that was the fault of another driver, you likely need legal help.

The personal injury attorneys at Springer & Lyle can help you obtain reasonable compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other physical damage. Contact us at 940.387.0404 for a free consultation.