Can you take steps to prevent car accidents in inclement weather?

As one of the thousands of Washington drivers that commute each day, you may be familiar with driving in the rain. However, inclement weather can catch anyone off-guard and create momentary panic when conditions challenge control, visibility and experience. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to heighten your safety and prevent car accidents when Mother Nature is not on your side.

According to the AAA Exchange, taking a few responsible precautions can be the difference between spiraling out of control on a wet road or maintaining control and staying safe. Here are some of the things you should do while driving when the weather is bad:

  • Reduce your speed: Perhaps the most obvious precaution you can take is to slow down. What may appear as a little water on the roadway, can actually be extremely dangerous if you are speeding. When the roads are wet, it is imperative that you slow down and leave extra room between you and other cars on the road. Rough maneuvers like harsh braking or sudden turns can cause you to hydroplane and lose control.
  • Turn your cruise settings off: While cruise control has major benefits for helping you to maintain a safe and consistent speed, it can cause problems in inclement weather. Because bad weather will often require you to manipulate the accelerator carefully, you should avoid using your cruise control settings which can delay your ability to safely slow down.
  • Remain calm: If you ever experience the momentary terror of skidding, do your best to remain calm and in control. Your best chance at safely avoiding a collision is to keep your vision focused on the direction you wish to go. From here, try to cautiously navigate your course and avoid slamming on your breaks which can create additional problems with your vehicle’s balance.

The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice.