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The biggest cause of Florida vehicle accidents is a rainstorm. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reports there are 1,235,000 weather-related crashes every year. Because of these crashes, 418,000 people are injured and approximately 5,000 tragically die. Even light rain can increase the risk of injuries and tragic deaths on our Florida roads.

The North Carolina Institute for Client Studies (NCICS) reports that “Historically, the number of 4-inch extreme precipitation events has been highly variable but has been near or above average since 1995. Two notable extreme precipitation events occurred in 2014. During January 9-10, torrential rain fell in the West Palm Beach area, with more than 10 inches at Fort Pierce and more than 14 inches at Sun Valley. On April 29 in the Panhandle, more than 15 inches fell in Pensacola and about 20 inches in Milton.”

NCICS statistics show the highest risks begin with drizzle because vehicles that would normally slow down for heavy rain do not in lighter rain.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends the following safety tips for driving in Florida’s rainy season:

Prepare Your Vehicle Now

Drivers should visit their trusted mechanic or AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility to ensure their vehicle is ready for inclement weather. 

• Windshield Wipers — Replace windshield wiper inserts that leave streaks or don’t clear the glass in a single swipe.
• Headlights and Taillights — Make sure all headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are properly functioning so other drivers will see you during downpours. Turn on your headlights whenever you drive.
• Tire Tread — Proper tire tread depth and inflation are imperative to maintaining good traction on wet roadways. Check tread depth with a quarter inserted upside down into the tire groove. If you can see above Washington’s head, start shopping for new tires. 
• Tire Pressure — Check each tire’s pressure when the tires are cold. Since not all newer vehicles come with spare tires, drivers should ensure they have one that is properly inflated. 
• Brakes — Sudden stops on a wet road are already a challenge with properly functioning brakes. If your car vibrates, pulls to the side, or makes noise when you apply the brakes, it might be time for a replacement. 
• Emergency Kit — Emergency kits should include a mobile phone and car charger, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, drinking water, extra snacks/food for your travelers and pets, battery booster cables, and emergency flares or reflectors.

Driving in the Rain

• Check traffic and weather conditions before heading out.
• Expect longer drive times. Vehicles will likely be moving slower than normal, which may cause traffic congestion. Allow extra time to get to your destination so you do not take any unnecessary risks.
• Turn headlights on. Turn on your headlights to help you see and be seen. 
• Do not drive with hazard lights on. This signifies a disabled vehicle and could confuse approaching motorists; potentially causing a crash.
• Do not use high beams. The extra light not only blinds oncoming motorists but also reflects off the rain, causing more of a distraction for you.
• Slow down to avoid hydroplaning. At speeds as low as 35 mph, new tires can still lose contact with the road. AAA recommends drivers slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply, and drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of them. 
• Avoid cruise control. When used in wet conditions, the risk of hydroplaning increases. When engaged, cruise control does not allow drivers to back off the accelerator to mitigate a loss of traction. 
• Allow ample stopping distance between cars by increasing the following distance from the vehicle in front of you, and beginning to slow down early for intersections, turns, and other traffic.
• Pull over. If you cannot see the edges of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance while driving, pull off the road as far as you can and wait for the rain to ease up. Make sure to turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers.
• Traffic signal blackouts are dangerous. If traffic signal lights are not working due to power failure, you must stop at the intersection and then proceed when you know other turning and approaching vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians have stopped. A blacked-out traffic signal works the same as a four-way stop intersection. However, not everyone knows or follows that rule; and some may not realize they are approaching a controlled intersection; so, proceed with extreme caution.
• Comply with the Move Over Law. Observe the Move Over Law when law enforcement or emergency vehicles are on the side of the road. Change lanes or slow down to give sufficient clearance. This is the law in all 50 states.
• Drive distraction-free. Do not text or engage in distracting activities while driving, including interacting with a cell phone, talking with passengers, or looking at other objects in the vehicle.

Flooded Streets

• Avoid standing water and flooded roads at all times. There is no way to tell how deep standing water is on a flooded road. Driving through standing water can cause a vehicle to stall and result in severe damage to the vehicle from: 
• Flooding the engine
• Warping brake rotors
• Loss of power steering
• Short in electrical components
• If your vehicle shuts down while in standing water, do not try to restart it. Restarting a vehicle in standing water can cause more water to enter the engine and could cost thousands of dollars to repair.
• If your vehicle stalls in a flooded area, do not remain in the car. Abandon it as soon as possible and seek higher ground. Floodwaters can elevate quickly, sweeping away the vehicle and its occupants.

Strong Winds

• Anticipate gusts. Pay attention when driving through areas prone to strong winds or when weather reports forecast severe weather.
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Know your vehicle, light cars, vans, and other “boxy” vehicles are more likely to be blown by strong gusts of wind.
• Increase space between your vehicle and other motorists, especially vans, recreational vehicles, and cars pulling trailers which may be adversely affected by the wind.
• Drive in these conditions only when absolutely necessary.

Liability in Wet and/or Rainy Accidents

Florida law requires drivers to control their vehicles regardless of the weather conditions. Should a driver hydroplane or skid into another vehicle, he or she may be given a ticket for negligence and would be liable for any damages. 

Fort Myers Accident Attorney is available 24/7 to assist victims of vehicle accidents.

“It does not matter when a vehicle accident occurs. The legal team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. is always available to assist accident victims. We specialize in severe accident injuries and wrongful death cases and have a proven record of aggressively seeking compensation for our clients. To view a few of our case results, please go to Settlements & Verdicts. To contact us please call 239.337.7483, call toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or contact us online at SpiveyLaw.com,” said Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.