Florida is known for its extreme weather conditions. While vacationers to the sunshine state may postpone or cancel their leisure activities, Florida’s daily commuters must persevere through heavy rain and wind to meet their work and family commitments.
If your schedule demands driving in Florida rain, do so safely. Be mindful of any weather advisories before leaving home or work, and heed the following safety tips.
Drive for the weather conditions. If this means driving under the speed limit, then slow down. Driving too fast increases the chances of losing traction and hydroplaning.
Roads are slickest immediately after it starts to rain. Oil and other debris sitting on top of the asphalt has yet to wash away. A few minutes delay can make roads less treacherous for travel.
During low visibility, turn on low beam headlights. These are different from daytime running lights. Do not use bright beams as they affect oncoming drivers’ ability to see.
Do not use cell phones, eat, discipline children, listen to loud music, or drive with any other distractions during heavy rain or inclement weather. Stay alert and focused on the road and other drivers.
Standing water is deceiving. If puddles are covering surface markings on the road, they are likely deeper than they appear. A car can easily be lost to standing water.
Manually control car speed in bad weather. Maintaining road traction means continuously adapting speed to traffic and driving conditions. This is impossible to do while a vehicle is attempting to maintain a consistent speed regardless of any environmental conditions.
Florida rain decreases visibility and braking time. Do not tailgate or follow too closely. This allows for more reaction time in the event of an accident.
Tires need tread to stop on wet roads. Check vehicle tires regularly, and replace them when they show signs of wear.
Hydroplaning is frightening and knowing what to do could save your life. If your car loses traction:
Pull over somewhere safe and turn on the hazard lights. Make sure any passengers are safe, and check for vehicle damage.
While you and your loved ones may take every precaution when traveling Florida’s wet roads, accidents do happen. At Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann, we stand beside Floridians injured by the negligence of others. We are solely a personal injury firm and our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined legal experience.
Reach out to our car accident lawyers today at our Sarasota or Bradenton offices if you suffered car accident injuries through no fault of your own. We may be able to help you obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost work, and more.
Your consultation and claim review is complimentary so do not delay! Contact Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann to schedule your appointment now!
