Tips For Staying Safe When Driving On Wet Pavement

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 70 percent of car accidents in the United States involve wet pavement, and historically, 80 percent of injury accidents have wet pavement as a contributing factor. Because of this, it's important to be extra vigilant when driving in rain, sleet, and snow. Below are just a few tips on how to avoid getting into an accident when the pavement is wet.

1. Add extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Since it's more difficult to stop when the pavement is wet, it's important to give yourself more time by adding at least an extra car length between you and the car in front of you. 

2. Skip the cruise control. While cruise control can be a great tool for maintaining a set speed and reducing driver fatigue while on a long trip, it reduces the control that you have over your vehicle. Since driving on a wet pavement already adds an extra challenge, it's a good idea to skip cruise control so that you can react as quickly as possible.

3. Make sure that your windshield wipers are in good shape. Maintaining your windshield wipers is also essential to good highway safety. It's easy to forget about this important piece of equipment when the weather is nice, but poorly-functioning wipers can make visibility on a rainy or snowy day much more challenging. For just a few dollars, you can get new wipers.

4. Know how to control skids. The most important part of driving when your car starts to skid is not to overreact. Instead of slamming on the brakes, turn your car slowly the way you want the car to go. Avoid sweeping, dramatic turns as this can send your car out of control.

5. Take turns more slowly. Even when your car isn't skidding, it's a good idea to turn more slowly when driving on wet pavement. When you turn, your tires have less contact with the pavement and your vehicle is more likely to skid.

While there is no way to absolutely avoid accidents when the pavement is wet, adding extra distance between you and the car ahead of you, keeping your windshield wipers in good repair and making sure you know how to control a skid can go a long way to helping you stay safe when driving on wet pavement. If another driver hits you because they were driving dangerously on wet pavement, contact a car accident lawyer for assistance with your case.


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