With spring quickly approaching, the changes in the weather will probably result in some nasty rain storms and high winds that are less than optimal for driving. While the best thing you can do to stay safe is to stay off the roads in bad weather situations completely, sometimes this is not an option. A storm will not let up simply because you must drive across Covington to get to work.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to decrease your risk of a car accident. By following these safety tips, you can keep yourself and your passengers safe when driving in bad weather.
Strong winds
While heavy winds may not rate very high on your dangerous weather radar, they can actually be very dangerous. If you have to drive through wide open spaces or on highway overpasses, you are in danger from high winds. A strong enough gust can easily blow you into another car and result in a motor vehicle accident.
In order to reduce your risk, take extra precautions when driving through areas with a reputation for strong crosswinds. In addition, pay attention to large vehicles such as tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks. These large vehicles are much more susceptible to the effects of heavy winds. Also, keep both hands firmly on the wheel while driving in high winds. This will allow you to correct faster if the wind starts blowing you around the road.
Heavy rain
Heavy rains can reduce your visibility and affect your tire traction. You can easily hydroplane on slick roads if you drive too fast or your tires are too worn. This can cause you to lose control and have a wreck.
In order to stay safe if you have to drive in the rain, take your time getting to your destination. Also, give yourself extra time to get to your destination so that you do not try to rush on wet roads. Drive with your headlights on so that other drivers can see you more easily. You should also keep your distance from other cars. The extra space might be precisely what you need to avoid a collision.
If you must drive in heavy rains or high winds, the above tips can help you stay safe on the road. However, not all drivers will take the same precautions and may actually become more dangerous on the road. If you have been the victim of a negligent driver and suffered injuries due to a car accident, you might be able to file a claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call the Cincinnati and Covington personal injury attorneys at The Lawrence Firm today for a free consultation regarding your case.