As recent events have shown, bad weather can pour in fast and swift. Whether hurricanes or severe storms, heavy rain and wind can be dangerous and difficult to drive in.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, on average, there are more than 5.7 million vehicle crashes annually. Of those, approximately 22 percent or nearly 1.2 million are weather-related. These incidents have led to the deaths of nearly 6,000 people and injuries to more than 445,000 people, according to a Booz Allen Hamilton analysis of 10-year averages of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2005-2014.
The same report showed that the majority of weather-related accidents happen on wet pavement, 73 percent, and during rainfall, 46 percent.
Far beyond traffic delays, bad weather can affect a driver’s visibility and capabilities, and impact vehicle performance. If you find yourself driving during inclement weather, taking appropriate safety measures can help to safely reach your destination.
Consumer Reports offers the following tips for driving in heavy rain and wind.
- Slow down to avoid hydroplaning, which can happen when the tires lose contact with the road as they skim across the surface of the water.
- Avoid puddles if you can. If you can’t, slow down but don’t brake suddenly or jerk the wheel.
- Don’t use cruise control during downpours. To maintain a steady speed, the system can cause the car to accelerate suddenly on slick pavement and you could lose control.
- Windy conditions can push around tall vehicles like SUVs and vans or cause other vehicles to swerve. Keep both hands tightly on the wheel and watch your speed. Be especially alert when entering and leaving a tunnel or other protected area or when passing or being passed by a large truck.
For more on these tips, visit Consumer Reports’, How To Drive Safely In Heavy Rain And Wind.