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Meteorologists say the drought is over, as we are now in the rainy season, which runs from June through September. More accidents happen during the rainy season. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) says an average of 5.9 million crashes occur in the U.S. Of those accidents, about 1.2 million (21 percent) are weather-related.

In May, a 53-year-old Corvette driver lost control of his vehicle in the rain and died after crashing with a truck, according to a Fort Myers Police report. The accident happened on State Road 82 near Lightard Knott Lane around 7:10 p.m.

According to the USDOT:

“Rain causes wet pavement, which reduces vehicle traction and maneuverability. Heavy rain also reduces visibility distance. These impacts prompt drivers to travel at lower speeds causing reduced roadway capacity and increased delay. Speed reductions on arterial routes range from 10 to 25 percent on wet pavement. Light rain reduces freeway speed by 2 to 13 percent. Freeway speeds fall by 3 to 17 percent in heavy rain. Rain and wet pavement increase crash risk as well.

Most weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement and during rainfall. Each year, 75 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on wet pavement and 47 percent happen during rainfall. Nearly 5,700 people are killed and more than 544,700 people are injured in crashes on wet pavement annually. Every year, over 3,400 people are killed and over 357,300 people are injured in crashes during rainfall.

Flooding reduces roadway capacity by limiting or preventing access to submerged lanes. Inland flooding, usually following the evolution of a tropical storm or hurricane, has typically been the greatest source of fatalities, and caused the most damage to roadway infrastructure.” 

Florida Statute 316.183 says drivers have a legal duty to use reasonable care at all times, including adverse weather conditions:

“No one shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards existing… Speed (must) be controlled as necessary to avoid a collision…”

Randall Spivey, Fort Myers car accident attorney, says, “Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident, please contact our experienced legal team after seeking medical attention. We are available 24/7 to assist you. There are no costs or attorney fees until we get a monetary recovery for you.”

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact  Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.