Rainy conditions can make even the most familiar routes in Chicago more dangerous. At The Illinois Hammer Injury Attorneys, we’ve seen how quickly wet roads and poor visibility can lead to serious accidents. As a car accident law firm committed to protecting the Chicago community and its drivers, we believe community safety starts with preparation. These practical tips can help you stay focused, maintain control, and reduce your risk of a crash the next time you’re driving through a storm.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle Before the Rain Falls
Before heading out in the rain, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for wet and unpredictable road conditions. A few simple checks can help you stay safe behind the wheel.
- Windshield Wipers: Worn-out wipers can seriously limit your ability to see the road during a downpour. Replace your wiper blades at least once a year or sooner if they streak, skip, or leave areas untouched. Clear visibility is essential to avoid sudden hazards.
- Tires: Your tires play a key role in keeping control on slick roads, so it’s important to check tire tread depth and pressure regularly. Adequate tread depth helps prevent hydroplaning by allowing water to escape from under the tires.
- Lights: Ensure all headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning correctly. Visibility is key during rainstorms, both for seeing and being seen by other drivers.
2. Turn On Your Headlights
Illinois law mandates that drivers turn on their headlights when windshield wipers are in use due to rain, fog, or snow. This helps you see more clearly and makes it easier for other drivers to see you. Remember, using headlights is not just a safety measure—it’s a legal requirement in these conditions.
3. Reduce Your Speed
Wet roads can be deceptively slippery, increasing the distance required to stop safely. Even if the posted speed limit is 55 mph, consider reducing your speed by at least 5 to 10 mph in rainy conditions. Slowing down gives you more time to react to unexpected situations and reduces the likelihood of hydroplaning. If heavy rain comes on suddenly, you may also want to turn on your hazard lights to clearly indicate to drivers behind you that you’re slowing down.
4. Increase Following Distance
Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front is crucial during rainstorms. The standard three-second rule should be extended to at least six seconds in wet conditions. That extra space gives you time to respond safely if the car ahead brakes suddenly or the road conditions change.
5. Avoid Sudden Movements
Sudden braking, accelerating, or sharp turns can cause your vehicle to lose traction on wet roads. Instead, make gradual movements to maintain control. If you need to slow down, gently ease off the accelerator and apply the brakes smoothly.
6. Beware of Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning happens when water builds up between your tires and the road, making it difficult to steer or brake. To lower your risk:
- Avoid driving through standing water or puddles.
- Drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.
- Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth.
If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, stay calm. Take your foot off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Avoid slamming the brakes or jerking the wheel, which can sometimes make things worse.
7. Turn Off Cruise Control
Cruise control might make long drives easier, but it’s not recommended for use in the rain. If your vehicle hydroplanes while cruise control is on, it could actually accelerate, making it harder to regain control. Staying alert gives you the best chance to react quickly to slick spots, sudden stops, or poor visibility.
8. Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions
Rainy conditions demand your full attention. Avoid using mobile devices, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving. Keep both hands on the wheel and focus on the road ahead. Being alert enables you to respond promptly to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
9. Pull Over If Visibility Is Poor
Heavy rain can significantly reduce visibility, making it hard to see other vehicles, road signs, or hazards. If you find it difficult to see, the best option is always to safely pull over to a secure location, such as a parking lot or rest area, and wait until the rain subsides. Avoid stopping on the shoulder of the road, as this can be dangerous due to low visibility for other drivers. Remember, it’s better to wait out the storm and arrive at your destination late but safely than to risk being in an accident.
10. Be Cautious of Flooded Areas
Chicago’s flat terrain and drainage systems can lead to water accumulation on roads during heavy rain, especially on the Eisenhower Expressway and Stevenson Expressway. After a rainstorm, we often see Avoid driving through flooded areas, as it’s difficult to gauge the depth of the water, and your vehicle could stall or be swept away. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route. If you have a passenger in the car who can safely check a GPS or news app for information on the road conditions, they can help spot flooded areas ahead on your route to ensure you can easily avoid them.
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The Illinois Hammer is Here to Help
Driving in the rain requires extra caution and preparedness. Following these tips for driving in the rain can enhance your safety and reduce the risk of accidents on Chicago’s roads. Remember, your safety and the safety of others depend on your actions behind the wheel. More driving or legal questions? Review our FAQs or library of video resources.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident due to wet road conditions or another driver’s negligence, our experienced legal team is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
