On the road, there are many different hazards drivers need to watch out for. Aside from drunk driving and the use of devices behind the wheel, drivers need to watch out for inclement weather. Sadly, rain often results in poor driving conditions and causes many fatal accidents to occur each year. There are many ways in which slick roads and other hazards related to rain make driving dangerous.
Sometimes, it is smart for drivers to pull off the road or stay home until conditions improve. Also, drivers need to watch out for other weather-related hazards, such as ice, snow and heavy wind.
Road hazards related to rain
According to the Federal Highway Administration, rain adversely affects road conditions in different ways and increases the risk of traffic crashes. For example, rain affects a vehicle’s traction and causes some drivers to lose control. Rain also impacts the efficacy of traffic signals in some instances and causes drivers to behave erratically. Moreover, rain can create problems with respect to visibility and some drivers are unable to see other vehicles because of heavy rain.
Statistics on rain and traffic accidents
According to the FHWA, rainy conditions were present when more than 556,000 traffic accidents occurred between 2007 and 2016. During this same time period, more than 860,000 motor vehicle collisions occurred on wet pavement. These accidents on wet pavement resulted in more than 4,000 deaths and over 324,000 injuries. Sadly, it is inevitable that many more people will pass away in crashes that occur when roads are slick as a result of rain.