Tips for Driving in Bad Weather

It's beautiful day in Phoenix. Moisture is increasing rapidly across the state and we pick up a slight chance for valley showers and storms. "Driving in the rain can be treacherous, especially in the middle of a downpour when visibility is bad and the streets and highways are slick, or even flooded, "Phoenix police Sgt. Andy Hill wrote in an e-mail.
High winds and heavy rain can make for potentially-fatal accidents. Police recommend the following driving tips to avoid tragedy:
1. Never drive into moving water. Large puddles or run-off more than a few inches deep can sweep your vehicle off the road. Arizona drivers who attempt to navigate through areas covered in a significant amount of water, or who ignore warning, can be held liable for rescue expenses under state law.
2. Yield to the driver to your right. Flooded intersections, where the street light is out an no officer is directing traffic, can cause confusion.
3. Slow down. Remind yourself it takes longer to stop when the streets are wet, especially if your tires are in poor condition. Drivers are encouraged to take a closer look at their tires today to make sure they are properly inflated.
4. Keep your distance. Make sure to keep enough braking space between you and the car in front of you so in the event of a slide or skid, if your vehicle is truck by the motorist behind you, that extra space can prevent a second collision. Police also recommend avoiding following too closely behind large trucks or buses since the splash created by larger tires easily obstructs your ability to see.
5. Turn on your headlights. Doing so increases your visibility and makes your vehicle more visible to other motorists. Police recommend checking the bulbs in your headlights, tail lights and turn signals today.
6. Keep both hands on the wheel. Rainy days are not the best day to talk on the phone while driving. Any reaction time is critical while driving in a serious rainstorm.
7. Pull over if necessary. If you can't see the edge of the road, pull over into a parking lot or out onto the shoulder as far as possible to wait out the storm. Use your hazard lights if stopped on the side of the road so other motorists can see your vehicle.
8. Check your windshield wipers. Today is a great day to make sure they're working properly. Worn-out wiper blades can create visibility problems during a heavy thunderstorm.
On the whole you are most likely to encounter drivers who respond poorly to weather conditions as the seasons change, or when weather conditions are unusual for the location. Following a heavy rain after a dry spell, it takes some drivers a while to adjust to the weather conditions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call Blake Law Firm today at 602-274-700 or visit our website at: http://www.blakefirm.com/ to schedule a free consultation.