How to drive safely in heavy rain during the winter months

On Behalf of | Jan 11, 2018 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

As one of our Georgia readers, we suspect that you spend some time driving in the rain during the winter months.

While you may have no choice but to do this, you should realize that the decisions you make will go a long way in determining your level of safety.

With this in mind, here are a few safety tips you can follow when driving in heavy rain:

  • Slow down and give yourself more time to reach your destination. You never want to be in a hurry when the rain begins to fall, as this can increase the likelihood of an accident.
  • Use your headlights at all times. This does two things: It allows you to see the road ahead, and it makes it easier for other drivers to see you.
  • Leave more space between your car and others on the road. It can take longer to stop your car in wet conditions, so you want to leave more space between other vehicles. As a general rule of thumb, leave another couple car lengths of following distance.

These are not earth shattering tips for driving safely in heavy rain, but they can definitely work in your favor from a safety perspective.

Unfortunately, even if you follow this advice, other drivers may ignore it. Instead, they drive in the rain the same as they do dry conditions.

In the event of an accident, don’t wait to call 911. This will ensure that you receive medical attention as quickly as possible. From there, turn your attention to the cause of the accident and the steps to take to prove the other driver’s negligence.

Source: Travelers, “How to Drive Safely in Strong Wind and Rain,” accessed Jan. 11, 2018