In Washington State, Spring often comes as a great relief after months of cold weather, even though early Spring is associated with rain. As we transition to Spring 2026, we are experiencing a very wet and gray period of weather in the Pacific Northwest, which brings a unique set of driving hazards with wet and slippery roads at the top of the list. Drivers can reduce their chances of being involved in Spring car accidents in the rain by understanding the dangers and taking safety precautions.
Spring Car Accidents in the Rain Statistics
The first rain after a dry spell is especially hazardous, with data showing a significant increase in the risk of car accidents. Wet pavement causes nearly 75% of weather-related crashes (FHWA), resulting in roughly 1 million accidents per year. These accidents are responsible for almost 5,700 fatalities annually and 544,700 injuries, often involving hydroplaning. This could be at least partly because nearly 24 percent of U.S. road sections are prone to rainfall-induced hydroplaning.
If you or a loved one was injured in a wet weather-related crash caused by another driver, it is a good idea to contact a local and experienced car accident attorney for a free consultation. An attorney can help you understand your legal options, guide you in obtaining appropriate medical care from medical professionals, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Key Factors Causing Increased Accidents During Spring Rainfalls
With the Pacific Northwest’s exceptionally dry winter in 2026, ongoing spring showers are creating hazardous conditions that may catch drivers off guard:
- First rainfall hazards: When it hasn’t rained in a while, the first rainfall lifts oils and grease, making roads extremely slick. The risk of fatal accidents increases by 3.7 percent when rain falls after just two dry days – and it gets worse with longer, drier, periods.
- More pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists: better weather and longer days mean more pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists sharing the roads. Drivers should be especially cautious in urban areas, near parks, neighborhoods, and in school zones and always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and school buses with the stop-sign extended. Drivers should also keep an eye out for bicyclists and motorcyclists who are sharing the road.
- Reduced traction: Wet roads reduce tire traction, leading to hydroplaning, skidding and rear end car accident in the rain.
- Decreased visibility: Moisture in the air from drizzly weather to full on downpours decreases visibility – both because of the moisture itself and because rain clouds darken the sky. Hampered visibility can lead to slower reaction times, which increases the risk of accidents.
- Environmental hazards: Winter freeze-thaw cycles are very hard on asphalt, which can mean new potholes come Spring. When combined with falling branches or debris from spring storms, this can increase the risk of car accidents due to environmental conditions.
- Sun mixed with rain: Often in spring, the sun will suddenly peak out after a rainfall. With the longer daylight hours that come with spring, there is often greater sun glare during morning and evening commutes compounded by wet, reflective roads. Put together, these factors dramatically increase the risk of collisions.
Reduce Your Risk of Car Accidents in the Rain
There are several things that drivers can do to reduce their risk of being involved in a wet weather driving accident:
- Increase your following distance (from 3 seconds to 4-6 seconds).
- Wear sunglasses, keep your windshield clean, and use your visor(s) to reduce glare.
- Slow down during rain showers, especially the first hour after showers begin.
- Slow down when driving over partially flooded areas and avoid roadways with water several inches deep.
- Avoid sudden braking.
- Check your tires for adequate tread to prevent hydroplaning, check windshield wipers to make sure they are adequately clearing rain from your windshield(s), and have your brakes serviced to ensure your car will be able to brake safely.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision 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! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
