This time of year, Indiana rain events can range from a light shower to a heavy downpour. You can’t predict with exactitude what kind of rain you’re going to hit when you set out for work or school, on a trip or just a day of running errands.
One of the biggest concerns for many drivers isn’t their own ability to drive in the rain, but other drivers’ inability to so safely. Let’s look at a couple of things you can do to increase your chances of avoiding a rain-related crash or minimizing the severity of one, should one occur.
Put your headlights on at the start
It’s safest to have your headlights on if it’s raining day or night. If your vehicle’s default setting is daytime running lights, set them to low beam. This makes it easier to see and be seen. If your car could use a wash, make sure the headlights are clean. Don’t rely on the rain to wash them off.
Be careful using high beams. These are only intended to be used in areas without traffic because they can blind oncoming drivers. Even if your vehicle has automatic high beams (AHB), make sure they switch back to low beam when other vehicles are in the area.
Don’t rely on the “three-second rule”
When the weather conditions are less than optimal, like when it’s rainy and cloudy, and when the roads are wet and slippery, staying three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you probably isn’t enough. Allow at least four or five seconds – maybe more if you have a large truck ahead of you that needs more time to stop than a car would.
This can be frustrating, as other drivers may constantly move into that space. Let them, and keep your distance. You want to have enough time to stop if the vehicle ahead has to slow or stop suddenly. This can keep you out of any crash that occurs ahead of you. Keeping your speed down will also help you more safely maneuver through standing water if you can’t avoid it.
Unfortunately, no matter how cautiously you drive during our unpredictable rains and more serious weather conditions like tornadoes, you can’t always avoid a negligent or reckless driver. If you’re navigating the aftermath of a crash, don’t settle for less compensation than you’re entitled to receive. Getting sound legal guidance as soon as possible can help you deal with insurers and anyone else who tries to minimize your losses.
