Summer Rain Can Cause Slick Roads that Lead to Accidents
Whatcom County has seen one of the hottest, driest summers on record with warm temperatures starting in mid-June and daytime temperatures only dipping below 70 degrees a few times since then. It’s been almost straight sunshine for the last two months as well. With little to no rain to wash it away, the roads have had plenty of time to build up liquid leaks from vehicles and rubber from tires. This type of buildup isn’t a problem until a significant rainfall arrives, like it did over the weekend.
Slick roads can lead to accidents
When rain falls on roads that have been dry for a long period of time, it can create a very real driving hazard. The rain mixes with a built-up layer of leaked fluids and rubber, forming a new substance sometimes called “liquid sunshine” or an oil slick. This slick may be visible, often with a multi-colored appearance on the pavement.
Slick roads increase the chances of a car accident because of reduced tire traction and the potential for skidding and longer stopping distances. How long these slick conditions last depends on how much rain falls. Eventually, enough rain and traffic will wash the build-up away. To prevent an accident on a slick road, let’s take a look at some safety tips.
Safety tips for driving on slick roads
Pay attention to the weather before heading out on the road. If you know that it has been warm and dry for an extended period of time and you are heading out in the rain or shortly after a rainfall, keep these safety tips in mind.
Slow down. Even under normal conditions, speeding is a bad idea. When roads are slick it is even more important to slow down – even if that means staying in the right lane and choosing not to pass slow moving vehicles.
Leave more room. On slick roads your brake times will be longer. Leave a bigger space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you to decrease the chance of a rear-end collision.
Turn into a slide. If your vehicle starts to slide, gently turn your wheel into the slide before gradually straightening your vehicle back out.
Wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives when you are in a crash. They are especially important to wear if you are driving in more difficult road conditions.
Brake gently. Braking gently is the best way to ensure that your car won’t spin out of control.
Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions. Be extra careful to look ahead and around you for cars, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists to avoid an unnecessary collision. Avoid doing anything that will take your eyes or attention away from the road such as texting.
Replace worn out tires. Your tires should have significant tread on them or they are simply not safe to drive. Good tires are just as important when roads are slick from fluid and rubber buildup combined with rain as they are when roads are icy.
Seek the help of a car accident attorney
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
