Despite being called the “sunshine state,” stormy weather is part of Florida. Most rains get over quickly, and you can see the sun shining bright soon. Who wouldn’t love a shining sun all day? But when it rains, it pours. So you have to deal with the daunting experience of driving across Florida. The article speaks just about that. However, we have shared much of the experts’ insight. Please read the article if you live in Florida and the dangers it entails when operating your vehicle safely while it’s raining.
Expert personal injury attorneys want you to know this while driving on wet roads in Florida:
If you drive in Florida, you owe specific responsibilities to the passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, construction workers, and almost anyone on the road. Thus drivers must take utmost care while driving on the busy streets of Florida. However, suppose you are caught in a sudden rainstorm which is quite usual in Florida. In that case, you must remember these tips to avoid a crash and thereby avoid any legislative issues, as these are shared by some of the skilled Orlando Car Accident Attorneys in Florida.
Speed:
When you are driving on dry roads and suddenly caught in heavy rains, you must reduce the speed of your vehicle. Even when you are found to be moving at posted speed limit appropriate for the road, you are still deemed to be negligent in operating the car because there is increased potential to skid and slide. If the driver has failed to modify their driving due to lousy weather is considered a traffic infraction. The driving violation shall be escalated to an added quotation for failure to use due care, careless driving, or even a misdemeanor- reckless driving. Another way is to increase the following distance; this allows you a higher probability of reacting to the vehicle ahead of you, just in case they stop or slows down. Every car on the road will face the same hazard as you; thus, slowing down and increasing the speed reduces the chances of collision.
Floridian law states that the driver must be prudent and drive with safety in their mind considering all the circumstances and people.
Therefore you must be careful not to exhibit through your actions that you disregard the safety of others sharing the road, as it could result in a traffic ticket or criminal charge in the worst circumstances.
It is better to speak with a skilled attorney to know your responsibilities and laws related to weather conditions.
If you are displeased talking to other language attorneys, never hesitate to contact Spanish Speaking Personal Injury Attorney; they help you understand everything related to the laws related to specific weather conditions.
Headlights, taillights, and dangerous flashers:
During heavy storms, drivers suffer from decreased visibility. To help other drivers and motorists and help yourselves, you must use both your headlights and tail lights. You have to make sure before you get out that your headlights and tail lights are bright, clear, and working.
Keeping your headlights and taillights on during rain, fog, or smoke illuminates your vehicle and makes it easier for others to navigate through the treacherous terrain. Many states across the United States have mandated the use of headlights even in broad daylight.
On the other hand, when you use hazard lights while driving in the rain, you are more likely to break the law. Hazard lights are for vehicles that are stopped at the side of the road. They are not meant for moving cars. Therefore even if weather conditions cause poor visibility, you should not activate the flashing lights, as they cause mere confusion and compromise your safety.
Moreover, hazard lights, on the contrary, reduce visibility furthermore for drivers. What could go wrong if you activated the hazard lights?
● Other drivers might think you are stalled or stopped
● You can suffer from reduced visibility, and you can’t determine whether the motorists ahead are tapping on their breaks
● You can’t use your turn signals when your hazard lights are on.
Also, ensure that you proceed through intersections only if you can see the traffic signals clearly.
Driving through still water:
Floods and rainstorms can create standing water on the roads very quickly. Driving through standing water could make your car stuck, and you would not know if any part of the roadway has been washed away. Therefore it is imperative not to rush to your destination; rather, have a safe plan when it is raining.
Also, have you ever noticed oil spills on the roadways immediately after it started raining? It is one of the scariest moments when you should be driving. The oil spills on the streets make slick conditions, and experts suggest waiting a few minutes rather than rushing to your destination.
How to tackle hydroplaning?
Only with 1/12th of an inch of rain on the street and a pace above 35 miles per hour can you hydroplane! It doesn’t take much for a horrible crash. Therefore ensure that your tires are not worn out every time before you start driving.
If you sense your vehicle starts to slide, don’t panic and let off the gas pedal slowly and steer straight till you acquire the control. In some cases, hydroplaning begins to spin; in such cases, just turn the steering wheel slowly in the same direction and never take the opposite direction.
Don’t try to cause fast and jerky movements on steering when you are hydroplaning as it could cause flipping of the vehicle.
A study conducted by American Automobile Association to investigate automobile crashes to understand the cause of the accidents stated that the majority of accidents in relation to the weather conditions were due to rain. It held the greatest proportion of about 9.2% that caused fatal accidents between 2010 and 2014, whereas snow, sleet, and fog caused only 3.4%, 0.6%, and 0.4%, respectively. https://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MotorVehicleCrashesWeatherReport.pdf
Thus it is necessary to be aware of the state laws in relation to the weather conditions to stay safe and stay ahead of all rain-related driving offenses and consequences. If you are clung with any of the crimes, you should immediately contact the skilled Orlando Car Accident Attorney team that specializes in traffic tickets and criminal traffic defense.
Conclusion:
Rainy weather in Florida is accompanied by severe storms making it extremely difficult to drive safely. Drivers face all the hazards, including hydroplaning and reduced visibility. Moreover, since the turbulent weather doesn’t nullify the fault of drivers, it’s better not to take chances and stay off the roads in the rainy season. However, doing so isn’t always possible. Thus, following the tips discussed in the article helps drivers to avoid a crash.