We’re in the midst of hurricane season in Florida, and heavy rains are not uncommon. Anyone who has experienced bad weather on the road knows that many drivers don’t drive appropriately for the conditions. There are reasons bad weather leads to more car accidents. Drivers are obliged to always drive safely, even in inclement weather. However, that isn’t always the case.
Driving in Bad Weather Conditions
It is not impossible to drive safely in bad weather. All drivers have the duty to operate their vehicles in a manner that is safe for everyone on the road. Drivers must obey all traffic laws and regulations, and they must also adjust their behavior to drive safely in the conditions around them.
Racing at speeds that are appropriate for dry weather during a rainstorm ignores the fact that cars lose traction when the roads are wet. Speed limits are developed and put into place based on daylight conditions and dry weather. It is very important for drivers to reduce their driving speed to avoid accidents.
Additionally, drivers need to take reduced visibility into account whenever there is bad weather. Florida law requires that drivers use windshield wipers when it is raining. You should replace your windshield wipers regularly and make sure they are in good working condition. Not being able to see the road properly can be a deadly situation.
It is also important for drivers to keep adequate space behind the vehicle in front of them. This is especially true in wet weather conditions. Stopping a vehicle on wet roadways can take a longer distance and more time. Without an appropriate distance between vehicles, there is a high potential for rear-end collisions.
Is it Negligence?
If a driver is driving in an unsafe manner in bad weather, it may be considered negligence. All drivers should be taking the weather conditions into account when driving and are obligated to adjust their habits accordingly. Driving in bad weather requires extra care when driving, and a failure to drive to the conditions could be negligence. Determining a driver’s negligence in a car accident involving inclement weather can be a complicated matter, so if you’re injured in a bad weather car accident, you should consider consulting with a personal injury attorney.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident, you should have your case evaluated by an experienced personal injury attorney. Gregg Goldfarb has been helping Floridians injured in car accidents for over 20 years. Contact us online or call us at 305-374-7000 to schedule a free consultation.