September 6th, 2022
Risks to Consider When Driving in the Rain
There are many risks to consider when driving in the rain. Some risks are obvious; others are not. It is important that one understands the major specific dangers that one may face when operating a motor vehicle in sub-prime conditions. The more familiar one is with the risks the better, and will be well on one’s way to maximizing one’s safety.
To start, when it is raining traffic flow and travel time are impacted. For instance, traffic will tend to move at a slower pace, which in turn, will increase travel times. This can make the roadway more congested and lead to more collisions. For example, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Safety Administration, on a ten year average of between 2007 and 2016 there were 556,151 crashes (46% of weather-related crashes), 212,647 persons injured (51% of weather related injuries), and 2,473 persons killed (46% of weather-related fatalities) with rain as the weather condition. As one can tell, not only will traffic flow and travel times likely increase in the rain, rain as a weather condition also comprises of a fairly large portion of the weather conditions when crashes and injuries occur.
Further, in addition to traffic flow and travel, the roadways may become flooded, which can impact one’s ability to control one’s vehicle as well as cause one to potentially hydroplane. It goes without saying, that being in proper control of one’s vehicle is paramount to the safety of all drivers on the roadway. Operating a motor vehicle in flooded roads could certainly hamper one’s ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and prudent manner.
Additionally, one’s vision is impacted by rain and it will become more difficult to see as it starts to rain harder. Bear in mind that every driver’s vision on the roadway will likely be negatively impacted. This should put one on high alert for the other vehicles in the surrounding area, as although one may be able to see other drivers on the roadway that does not necessarily mean they see your vehicle. It is important to be patient and place safety first as opposed to getting to one’s destination as quickly as possible.
If you drive a motor vehicle regularly, you have surely driven in the rain at some point in time. With that said, you may have not known how dangerous it can potentially be operating a motor vehicle in the rain. It is important to keep the risks of driving in the rain in mind and operate your vehicle as safely as possible. Be safe.