Weather plays an important role in road conditions. With heavy storms in parts of the United States, it’s wise to understand how a downpour could affect your ability to drive safely.
Rain is one of the major problems that happens with hurricanes and thunderstorms. When winds pick up, rain begins to fall and other hazards collect on or near the roads, it becomes a risk to drive. Here are a few things to consider.
1. Visibility is lower
Visibility declines as soon as rain falls. Even dust from wind before a storm can make it hard to see, especially if it’s forcing leaves off the branches of trees and into your path.
When visibility decreases, it’s important for drivers to slow down and stay vigilant, so they can watch out for hazards that could lead to a crash.
2. Precipitation causes water hazards
When the rain does arrive, it instantly makes the once-dry and gritty roads more slick. This reduces friction and makes it more likely for your vehicle to slide on the wet ground. Lanes may become obstructed by flooding as well as fallen trees or branches.
3. Water levels rise quickly
When the rain comes down quickly or has been persisting for multiple days, floods are inevitable. Flooding causes a number of risks, but one is that your vehicle could get stuck in the rising waters. If that happens, you could get stuck in your vehicle. Drivers who are approaching water of an unknown height should slow down. If they hit the water too hard, they could drift out of the lane and cause an accident as well as damage their vehicles beyond repair.
These are a few things to keep in mind if rain is in the forecast. Be safe on the roads, and remember to be wary of the weather.