Maryland Accident Lawyer: Tips for Driving in the Rain

Following a recent car 21 car pile up in Williamsport, Maryland,  EMS officials are reminding drivers to take it slow in the rain, especially in the summer when the road can get hot.

“Use caution and maintain your situational awareness when driving,” said Chief Ball.

According to Your4State.com, the accident was partly due to human error and road conditions resulting in significant delays and detours.

Tips for driving in the Rain

• Slow down! The roads are slick and the traction is not a great which maeans that it may take you longer to stop.
• As a corollary to the above, increase the following distance as well.
• Use your headlights to make sure you can see and those around can see you.
• Take added precaution around big trucks or buses. We’ve all being sprayed by those big tires as they pass which can momentarily blind you to what is going on ahead of you. Stay back and if you must pass do so with caution.
• Drive in the middle lanes – Water is likely to pool on the lanes closest to the edge of the road.
• The car in front of you has already cleared some of the water off the road, stay in its tracks if it is otherwise safe.
• Take is easy on the brakes. Instead consider easing off the gas to slow down.
• Never drive through moving water if you can’t see the ground through it; your car could be swept off the road.
• Is there moving water on the road? Don’t even think of driving through unless you can see the roadway. Your ability to judge how high and fast the water is moving is questionnable so best be safe. We have all see vehicle washed away in the recent floods.
• Don’t drive off the road. Trust me, you don’t want to find out just how deep that puddle really is.
• Finally, common sense says, if you do not have to drive in heavy fog, rain or thunderstorms then don’t! Stay home and stay safe.