Accidents on Wet Roadways

While the weather is usually bright and sunny in Tampa Bay, it is not unusual, especially during hurricane season, for there to be periods of heavy rain. Rain can have a tremendous impact on the safety of roadways. Wet roadways account for approximately 15% of motor vehicle crashes. Wet roadways are especially dangerous in high traffic areas such as Tampa Bay. When an accident occurs on a wet roadway, determining who may be liable for the accident can be a complicated matter.

Adjusting to Wet Roadways

While weather conditions cannot be controlled, drivers are expected to adjust their conduct to meet the challenges of a wet roadway. Drivers should exercise due care. They should slow down, avoid large puddles if possible, and provide extra space between their vehicle and others on the road.

Hydroplaning can occur on wet roadways, especially when there is oil on the road. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water leads to a car’s tires failing to effectively grip the road, resulting in difficulty steering and a loss of control of the vehicle. Increased vehicle speeds increase the likelihood of hydroplaning occurring. In addition, sudden braking can also lead a vehicle to hydroplane.

Staying Safe

While we can’t control the actions of other drivers, when you are driving on wet roadways, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety:

• Reduce Speed—decrease your risk of hydroplaning by reducing your speed to match the road conditions.
• Allow for More Distance Between You and the Car in Front of You—wet pavement can significantly increase a vehicle’s stopping distance, and if you allow more stopping distance, you can avoid the need to slam on the brakes which can lead to hydroplaning.
• Check Your Tires—poor tire tread and improper tire pressure can increase the likelihood that your vehicle will lose traction on a wet roadway.
• Maintain Your Brakes—worn brake pads can lead to hydroplaning.

Call an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident on a wet roadway, you may want an experienced Tampa Bay car accident attorney on your side. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have been helping car accident victims for over 30 years. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.