According to the US Department of Transportation, of the 1.25 million weather-related crashes each year, 73% occur on wet pavement and 46% happen during rainfall.

If you find yourself caught driving in heavy rain, here are some simple tips you’ll want to follow.

See and Be Seen

We all know that safety starts before you drive, and your goal should be to see and be seen on the road. Start by making sure your windshield wipers are good and your lights work.

  • Once your windshield wipers leave streaks and cannot clear your view in a single swipe, it’s time to replace them.
  • Make sure all your brake lights, taillights, headlights, and turn signals are properly functioning so that other drivers will see you during storms.

Be Careful Around Large Puddles

If you come across a large puddle, do not drive straight through it. As much as you are able, try to drive around it. Sometimes it is very hard to tell how deep a puddle is just by looking at it. And if you drive over a puddle you risk accidentally hitting a deep pothole or splashing water up into the car’s electrical system and causing your car to stall.

Check Your Tires

When it’s raining, breaking can take up to 4x the normal distance. If your tread is worn, tires have a tendency to hydroplane/aquaplane or skid over the surface of the road with little or no traction. The best way to maintain good traction on wet roadways is to have proper tire tread depth and inflation.

  • One easy way is the penny test. Simply insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.
  • Don’t forget to check each tire’s pressure, including the spare, at least once a month.

Regaining Control During Hydroplaning

Even careful and experienced drivers can hydroplane. By using effective skid-control maneuvers and a calm approach you can easily regain control of your vehicle. If you find yourself in this situation, use the following steps to recover:

  • Continue to look at the road.
  • Take your foot off of the accelerator.
  • Avoid slamming on the brakes. Although putting your foot on the brake is a typical response, slamming the brakes will only further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to regain control.
  • Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
  • Then wait till you feel the tire’s treads reconnect with the road.
  • Feel free to pull off to the side of the road if you need to take a moment to calm down.
  • Driving during heavy downpour increases your risk of an accident. You can maximize your driving safety by being aware of the road conditions, reducing your speed appropriately, and being prepared for challenging situations. And by following the guidelines outlined in this blog, you are well on your way to driving safely in the heavy rain.

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.

  • They helped me with every need possible. The back issues I had could have been much worse if they didn’t step in and help me. Bart, Megan, and all the people that work for this legal team are amazing. I would recommend them to anyone. Thank you all for helping me each step of the way. I can’t thank these people enough.

    - T. Gibson-Warren

  • I want to thank the whole team for all your help and persistence with my settlement. I truly appreciate.

    - A. Alfortish

  • Great experiences every time I need you guys. I always recommend your firm.

    - W. Young

  • Bart and his team were wonderful to work with. It was clear that their vision and determination to fight for our case, is why we were able to reach a settlement, where my previous attorney was not.

    - C. Perez

  • Bart Kelly and his legal team reevaluated my case after another attorney backed away from a legal challenge, I just want to say Thank You to mr kelly and his team for the hard work and dedication to my case to make it successful . Thank You

    - N. Gex

  • Attorney Kelly is an impeccable attorney. He has represented me extremely well. I was very, very, very pleased with the outcome of my settlement. He’s highly recommended … to give assistance to anyone. I thank him for his services and I’m super elated over the way he handled the case. He is a phenomenal lawyer.

    - S. Spears

  • I’ve learned the importance of having good coverage insurance, thanks to Mr. Kelly explaining everything to me. We do not hope or wait for accidents, but rest assured that I will call Mr. Kelly again if I need his services. Thank you.

    - Ann Zimmer

  • Being represented by Mr. Kelly and his legal team was a very awesome experience. They were very patient and they worked really hard in resolving my case. I would most definitely refer them to all my friends and associates. Thank you very much.

    - Nathaniel Bonney

  • I am very grateful for Mr. Bart’s assistance. He was very professional and fair. I never felt like a client with him. I always felt like a close friend. Also, I would like to thank everyone in the office for being friendly, kind, and for helping me.

    - Glac Mantuso

  • Just want to say thanks a lot because I received way more than I expected. You guys did a wonderful job of getting the max for myself and my family. Everyone I met or spoke to on the phone was really professional and nice. Once again, thanks a lot.

    - Jessica Quinn

  • J. Bart Kelly is the best attorney I have ever met. He is intelligent, caring, understanding, and knows how to protect his clients. I love his strong take-charge attitude to fight for what is right.

    - Teri Haas

  • My lawyer took the time to explain everything in a clear and concise manner. I’ve been treated fairly and with the utmost respect. I am very appreciative of all of the staff at AKD for their services.

    - James Barber

  • I am grateful for the way that my case was handled. Thanks.

    - Darryl Hill

  • Thanks to Bart and Meg. Fantastic group of people and team. Love you guys.

    - Claudine Hope

  • I was involved in a terrible accident and had a lot of serious injuries. I was so happy that Bart (and his team, including his nurse paralegal) was my attorney. The results were much more than expected as far as the settlement. Thanks.

    - Karen Bourgeois

  • I received exceptional service from the law office of Bart Kelly. He is a great attorney who cares about what you are going through, and I am very pleased with the outcome.

    - Melissa Sanchez

View all
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION