The weather in Southwest Florida can be tricky. At any moment throughout the day, rain can come pouring down. It almost comes without warning as “scattered showers” across the area can be highly unpredictable.
And, while we might be approaching the end of rainy season, that doesn’t mean we are approaching the end of these violent, sudden downpours. It’s a message state safety advocates are pushing after a recent weekend of rainy weather led to a host of serious and fatal crashes statewide.
We’re asking drivers to always be prepared for bad weather. No, we’re not talking about keeping an umbrella with you, but we’re asking to be prepared behind the wheel.
With the recent number of car accidents in rainy weather, officials with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) find it necessary to make this reminder, too. Weather was blamed for a number of car accidents along both Interstate 75 and Interstate 10 over the last few rainy weekends. Now, officials with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are asking motorists to consider the weather and the condition of the road before stepping on the gas.
Our Naples car accident attorneys understand how important it is to adjust your driving habits to counteract the weather. When we get those afternoon showers, it’s important that we slow it down on our roadways. When our streets are wet and slick, the risks for our vehicles sliding out of control increase significantly. Cars can’t stop as easily and accidents are more common.
“Incidents such as these are a reminder of the precautions motorists should take while driving in extreme weather,” said Col. David Brierton, who is the director of the FHP.
FHP officials offer a few simple driving tips that can help you to stay safe during our fickle Florida weather. Review the safety tips and share them with your friends and family members, and remember to keep an umbrella with you at all times.
Safe Driving Tips:
-When the weather starts to get a little gloomy, slow it down. You need more time to react and you need better control of your vehicle when the storms roll in. Slow it down to achieve both of these.
-Never travel too closely to other vehicles. You want ample time to react to dangers. You also need more time to stop. Do this by staying away from other vehicles. You’re going to need more than the 2-second rule on wet roadways.
-If it’s raining too hard and you’re having a tough time seeing the road, pull over to the side, stop and wait it out. There’s no reason that you should drive in conditions that you can’t see through. Put on your emergency flashers and stay in your vehicle.
-Always drive with your headlights on, especially in poor weather conditions. This not only helps you to see, but it helps others to see you more easily.
-Keep an eye on the condition of your car. Make sure your tires are in good condition and your windshield wipers work well. In the middle of a storm is no time to figure out that either of these need to be replaced.
-Always wear a seat belt. Seat belts can be your saving grace in the event of an accident. Make sure that everyone in your car is properly buckled in, too.
If you have been injured, call Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. 1-800-283-2900.
More Blog Entries:
Teen Drivers and Texting: National Campaign Stops in Fort Myers, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, October 18, 2012
Elderly Drivers, Medications and Risks for Car Accidents, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, October 8, 2012