Partner at AKD Lawyers
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
Heavy rain can make driving far more dangerous, especially in Louisiana, where sudden storms and poor drainage systems often lead to flooding. Slippery roads, limited visibility, and longer stopping distances all increase the risk of crashes during heavy rainfall. For drivers in New Orleans and across the state, staying safe in these conditions starts with preparation and awareness.
Driving in heavy rain isn’t just about handling your vehicle—it’s about adjusting your mindset. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 1.2 million weather-related crashes occur each year, with 73% happening on wet pavement and 46% during active rainfall. That means drivers must take rain seriously, not just as an inconvenience but as a real threat. Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself and others when Louisiana’s roads turn slick.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 1.2 million weather-related crashes occur annually—73% on wet pavement, and 46% during rainfall. – : FHWA Road Weather Management
Understanding the Risk of Driving in Heavy Rain
Rain doesn’t just make the road wet—it changes how your car behaves. Even light rain can cause oil and debris to rise to the surface, reducing traction. Heavy rain increases braking distance, limits visibility, and can lead to hydroplaning. In Louisiana, where streets are prone to flooding and poor drainage, these problems only get worse.
If you’re driving in or around New Orleans during a storm, it’s essential to be cautious. Weather is not an excuse for poor driving. In fact, Louisiana law requires drivers to adjust to road and weather conditions to prevent harm.
Louisiana’s comparative fault law (La. Civ. Code Art. 2323) means that even if a driver is partially at fault for an accident, they may still recover damages.
Preparing Your Car for Rain
Driving safely in the rain starts before you even hit the road. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition to handle wet weather. Windshield wipers should be checked regularly. If they leave streaks or skip across your windshield, replace them. Old wipers reduce visibility and can make it harder to react to sudden hazards.
Also, check your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Rain reduces visibility, and your lights help other drivers see you.
The condition of your tires plays a massive role in how your vehicle handles in the rain. Bald or underinflated tires can cause skids and make braking less effective. Use the penny test to check tread depth.
Hydroplaning can happen at speeds as low as 35 mph when there’s standing water, especially with worn tire treads.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Safe Driving Tips for Rainy Conditions
Driving in a downpour calls for a slower, more focused approach. Wet roads require longer stopping distances and make sudden movements risky. Reduce your speed. The faster you drive, the less grip your tires have on the road. Slowing down gives you more time to react and helps prevent hydroplaning.
Keep a safe following distance. Leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. Wet roads can double or triple the distance it takes to stop.
Avoid cruise control. Using cruise control in the rain can cause you to lose control if your tires lose traction. Use low beams. High beams can reflect off water and fog, making it harder to see. Low beams improve visibility without blinding others.
What to Do If Your Car Hydroplanes
Hydroplaning can feel scary, especially if it catches you off guard. It happens when water builds up under your tires and causes your car to slide across the surface of the road. Here’s what to do:
Ease off the gas. Letting up on the accelerator helps your tires reconnect with the pavement. Don’t slam the brakes. Braking hard can make the slide worse. Stay calm and apply gentle pressure if needed.
Steer in the direction you want to go. This helps you regain control once the tires find traction again. Pull over if needed. If the road is too slick or you feel shaken, it’s okay to stop in a safe place until the rain eases up.
Louisiana Laws and Rain-Related Accidents
In Louisiana, drivers are expected to adjust their behavior to match road and weather conditions. If someone drives too fast during a storm or fails to use their lights, they can be held responsible for any resulting accident.
Even if you’re partially at fault—for example, if your tires were worn—Louisiana’s comparative fault system allows you to seek compensation. The amount you recover may be reduced based on your share of the blame.
Proving what happened is key in weather-related accidents. Weather reports, dashcam footage, witness statements, and crash scene photos can all help build a case.
Rain-Related Crash Data and Safety Recommendations
| Factor | Risk Level | Recommendation |
| Rain-related crashes in LA | High | Avoid driving during peak storm hours |
| Hydroplaning speed threshold | ~35 mph | Reduce speed and avoid sudden movements |
| Tread depth below 2/32” | Unsafe | Replace tires immediately |
| Windshield wiper lifespan | 6–12 months | Replace when streaking or skipping |
| Safe following distance in rain | 5+ seconds | Increase from dry condition spacing |
What To Do After a Rain-Related Accident
If you’re involved in a crash during a storm, your safety comes first. Call 911, check for injuries, and move to a safe location if possible. Document the scene with photos and gather names of any witnesses. When filing a claim, be clear about the weather conditions and how they affect visibility, speed, and control.
If another driver fails to drive safely under the conditions—such as speeding or not using lights—they may be considered negligent. An experienced attorney can help gather evidence and handle communication with insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I hydroplane while driving?
Stay calm, ease off the gas, and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Don’t brake suddenly or overcorrect.
How can I tell if my tires are safe for rainy weather?
Use the penny test to check tread depth. If Lincoln’s head is obvious, it’s time to replace your tires.
Are Louisiana drivers more likely to crash in the rain?
Yes. New Orleans sees a high rate of rain-related accidents due to sudden downpours and water buildup on roads.
Can I file a claim if poor road conditions caused my accident?
Yes, in some cases. If negligence—like poor drainage or another driver’s unsafe actions—played a role, you may have a valid claim.
Conclusio
Driving in heavy rain is challenging, especially in Louisiana, where storms often arrive without much warning. Staying alert, slowing down, and keeping your vehicle in top shape are the best ways to avoid accidents.
But even the safest drivers can end up in a crash when others don’t take the same precautions. If you’ve been injured in a rain-related accident, Please make an appointment for a free consultation with Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm right now to find out how they can support your future.
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In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.
