Drive Safe on Wet Minnesota Roads

As Spring slowly approaches here in Minnesota, rainstorms are on their way. In combination with the snow melt and flooding in areas, driving in rainstorms can be extremely dangerous. Use extra caution on wet roads to avoid a motor vehicle collision.

When roads are wet, they are slippery, which can cause your tires to lose traction or cause you to hydroplane. Hydroplaning means that your tires don’t have traction on the road surface, causing you to lose the ability to steer and brake, much like sliding on ice. The most important thing you can do to avoid hydroplaning on wet roads is to ensure you have good treads on your tires. Springtime is a good time to check to see if you need new tires. It’s also a good idea to drive slower on wet roads. If you do start to hydroplane, release the gas pedal and drive straight until your tires regain traction on the road surface.

Here are some tips to make driving on wet roads safer:

• Make sure your tire treads are in good condition. Good treads on your tires make it less likely that you will lose traction on wet roads.
• Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly. If you can’t see out your windshield during a rainstorm, you won’t be able to anticipate dangers.
• Make sure you have washer fluid. Melting snow and rain in the Spring in Minnesota means that your windshield is going to get muddy. Washer fluid helps keep your windshield clear. 
• Avoid driving through standing water or large puddles. It doesn’t take much water to hydroplane. 
• If you have to drive through water, slow down. You are less likely to hydroplane, and you give your self more time if you have to slow down or take evasive action.
• Don’t use cruise control. Cruise control can cause a vehicle to accelerate in a hydroplane, and slows your reaction time if you do start to hydroplane.
• Apply your brakes more slowly and with less force to increase stopping distances. This gives the driver behind you more time to stop to avoid hitting you from behind.
• During rainy or foggy days, keep your headlights on. It helps you see better, and it makes you more visible to other motorists.

It’s a driver’s responsibility to drive responsibly whatever the road conditions. Bad road conditions often contribute to car accidents, but many of those accidents can be prevented by using extra care in bad weather.

If you’ve been inured in a car accident due to someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, your lost wages, and your pain and suffering. For a free, no-obligation consultation about your auto accident case, call us at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email to speak with one of our Minnesota personal injury attorneys.

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