The Risk of Rainy Weather in Toledo, Ohio Auto Accidents

Whenever it rains in Toledo, Ohio, you can almost always expect auto accidents to occur. Rainy weather is one of the most frequent risks to drivers, and even the most confident and skilled drivers are affected. Many people feel perfectly safe and comfortable driving in the rain. Even so, they could still end up in an auto accident through an unexpected change in road conditions or through the error of another driver with less experience or skill driving in rainy weather conditions. The average rainfall in the United States each year is 39 inches. Toledo, Ohio, is right near the top of that average at 34 inches of rain per year. The hazards associated with those rainy days include the following:

• Hydroplaning where water collects on the road – Drivers can find that their vehicles lose traction and they lose control of their vehicles. This can happen to even the most skilled and experienced drivers, though some are more prepared than others when it does happen.
• Reduced visibility in pouring rain or through fogged windows – It is difficult to see and respond to the actions of other drivers when visibility is limited. Drivers may not reduce their speed or stop in time to avoid an accident if they can’t see clearly. A driver may also not be aware of an auto accident ahead until it is too late to avoid joining the collision. Intersections are among the most dangerous road areas when visibility is poor.
• Flooding your vehicle in deep water – Drivers should avoid driving in puddles without knowing their depth. When rain is heavy and water collects on the road, a car could easily become flooded and stranded in the road, creating a hazard for other drivers as well.

These are just a few of the hazards that can arise from rainy weather in Toledo, Ohio. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to minimize these risks and prevent yourself from being involved in a rainy weather auto accident or causing a potential hazard for others.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle to Avoid Rainy Weather Auto Accidents in Toledo, Ohio

The most important things to be aware of when driving in rainy weather include the state of your own vehicle, the

driving behavior of others, and the precautions that you can take as a responsible driver. Sometimes, the most

confident of drivers are even more likely to cause accidents through over-confidence. Never assume that your experience and driving skills make you safe. Always keep an eye out for the mistakes of other drivers, and keep your vehicle in the best possible rainy weather driving condition. This means that you need to check the following parts of your vehicle:

• Tires – Your tires need to have enough pressure and enough tread. If your tires have less than 4/32 inches of tread, then you should replace them right away.
• Windshield wipers – Make sure that your windshield wipers work well. They should not leave streaks across your windshield and should be replaced regularly.
• Windows – You need to make sure that your windows are clean. Even high quality windshield wipers are not as effective on windows that have a layer of grime.
• Headlights and brights – Make sure that your headlights and brights are both working.
• Signal and brake lights – Make sure that your signal lights and brake lights are working. You need other drivers to be able to see you in rainy weather.

How to Adjust Your Driving to Prevent Rainy Weather Auto Accidents in Toledo, Ohio

Making sure that your vehicle is prepared for inclement weather is just the first step to avoiding rainy weather auto accidents in Toledo, Ohio. From there, you need to know how to adjust your own driving to be more cautious. Following are some examples of how to adjust your driving in rainy weather:

• Drive slower – Reducing your speed in rainy weather will give you more time to react to any obstacles, hazards, or errors of other drivers. You will also be less likely to hydroplane.
• Increase distance between yourself and other drivers – To avoid colliding with another vehicle in rainy weather, you should increase the distance between yourself and others.
• Brake sooner and more slowly – When approaching an intersection, stop sign, traffic light, or turn, where you must apply the brakes, do so sooner and more slowly than usual.
• Use the middle lane – If a middle lane is available, it is wise to use it when the weather is rainy and visibility is reduced.
• Allow for extra travel time – When you know you’re going to be traveling in rainy weather and you need to be somewhere by a particular time, you should leave sooner to allow for more time to make it to your destination. It is unwise to rush in rainy weather.
• Avoid puddles – It can be difficult to know for sure how deep a puddle is, and many drivers regret their decision to trust that a puddle is shallow enough to drive through.

You should also consider taking an advanced driving class if you are not confident while driving in the rain. If you have teenage drivers in your home, encourage them to do so as well. An advanced driving class will cover more than the basics of driving, and will ensure that you and your teen drivers are well prepared for any weather and any eventuality. These classes are good for much more than improving confidence when driving in rainy weather. They will help you to avoid accidents in all kinds of weather, cope with various hazards, and know what to do when an accident occurs.

Call the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers After a Toledo, Ohio Auto Accident in Rainy Weather

Getting into a rainy weather auto accident in Toledo, Ohio, can completely disrupt your life. You may have serious injuries, property damage that needs to be repaired, time away from work, and other losses and expenses. If this has happened to you, contact the attorneys at the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We will help you to get started on your accident claim.