Tips for Driving After a Rainstorm

Free Case Evaluation

Car Accident Lawyers serving Washington, DC

Yeah, yeah, yeah, you know that you need to be super careful in the first hour of rain because of all the oil and other waste on the road that makes the roads slippery danger zones; you too were lectured on all the hazards of driving in heavy rains; and yes, you and your nerdy driver’s ed. school friends also knew that it only takes 1/12 of an inch of rain at 35 mph to start hydroplaning; but have you ever thought of strategies on how to drive after the worst of a rainstorm?

Hydroplaning is a commonly known and very real hazard when it comes to driving both during and after a heavy rain. It is the technical term for what occurs when your tires are getting more traction on the layer of water on the road than on the road itself. When your car begins to slide uncontrollably on even the slightest sheet of water on the road, it is hydroplaning. To give you an idea of how much water it takes for a two-ton car to hydroplane on- 1/12 of an inch is less than the height of a capital letter in most Word documents printed with most (12-point) fonts.

Tips to avoid hydroplaning:

1. Be careful! If you are like me and tend to be relieved that right when you are heading to your car the worst of the downpour seems to be over, don’t relax too much because as long as there is water on the road, the risk of hydroplaning is real. Drive just as cautiously right after it rains as when the water is pouring down.

2. Turn off cruise control. Ironically, on any slick surface such as those caused by rain or snow, cruise control can cause you to lose control. While it helps you to stay at what feels like one steady speed, if you are in cruise control when your car starts to hydroplane, it will cause you to go faster

3. Let your foot off the accelerator. If you feel your car starting to hydroplane, let your foot off of the accelerator and steer straight until you regain control.

Think Geographically:

Think of where you live and the road conditions that could be particular to the weather in your region. For example:

Mudslides

Do you live/work/vacation in areas, or travel on roads, that had parts of mountains taken away to make room for construction? If you do, you know that driving after a heavy rain can be just as treacherous as during one. When the earth is saturated it can take the slightest of tremors – such as a car driving 25 mph on the road below – to make a hill/mountain slide.

Flooding

Do you live/work/vacation near a river, lake or dam? Do you live in a city whose roads can’t always keep up with its weather? Flooding can occur when the amount of rain exceeds a runoff capacity. This can happen when rain causes a river to overflow its banks. It can bethe result rain and tributaries overflowing a lake or pond. It can also happen when a barrier holding a body of water deteriorates or breaks as a result of conditions caused by recent rains. As global weather and settlement patterns have shifted in the U.S., and because many of our cities infrastructures are reaching the end of their lives, streets and freeways in some of our most bustling cities can be shut down during and after heavy rains. Drive with caution and when possible, check local road conditions before you leave.

Flash floods

Some deserts, plains, basins and other low-lying areas are prone to flash floods. The danger of your car and all its passengers being swept away by a flash flood itself are over when the rain stops but the roads you are accustomed to driving on may have spots that are too flooded to cross. If you are unsure of the depth of a recently flooded are, turn around (no matter how long it may take you to get back to your planned route) to avoid the risk of you and your passengers being stuck immobile while surrounded by water.

These are just some tips and ideas to guide you when thinking about driving after a rainstorm. As suggested before, think geographically about the weather and resulting hazards in your particular region- and try to think of those that are less common while always proceeding with caution while driving after a rainstorm.

workers compensation attorneys in dc

Injury Attorneys DC, MD, VA – Get the Compensation You Deserve! Whether you have been injured in a car accident, a malpractice victim, injured on the job, as the result of shoddy craftsmanship, or in a slip and fall, we can help! Our experienced, competent attorneys excel in all areas of personal injury law.

Practice Areas 

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Our team is available and ready to help you with your case. Feel free to contact us via the form below or call us 24/7 at 202-955-4529

Recent Posts

Client Review

"The legal team at Cohen & Cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job."
Jose Rivera
Client Review

"I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side."
Lea Harvey
Client Review

Read more:

Hear from our clients

If you have been injured, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation today. Our staff is available 24/7 to assist you.

Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
5 STAR Reviews. We are among the best-rated firms in the areas we serve.

Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
5 STAR Reviews. We are among the best-rated firms in the areas we serve.

L Proctor
August 30, 2022.
My experience with Cohen &Cohen was beyond my expectations. Jill did an amazing job with negotiating on my behalf and got me way more money than I anticipated. Thank you for having my back.
Ebony Stoutmiles
June 23, 2022.
To say that I am happy with the outcome of my case is the understatement of the century! Jill Stanley is a BEAST at what she does. That is the only way to explain it. She takes no prisoners. She and her team are very skilled and knowledgeable. I am so happy I trusted them to do their job and rolled with Jill's suggestions. I would choose Jill again 100 times. She settled my case for more than I imagined I would receive. I was literally in tears. It is the best feeling to know my pain isn't for naught. Wayne Cohen and Kristopher Yorke were nothing short of amazing. They have the patience of saints. I'm 100% certain that I got on their last nerves with my frustration and tears at every other call I had with them. Being in pain and wanting to just be able to heal was all I could focus on, but they helped me realize that I also had to focus on the bigger picture (the case) so I could put this piece behind me. As a high-strung individual with anxiety, it was hard for me to not worry and let them do their jobs, but they reassured me all of the time that they had this. To be injured before the start of the pandemic and have to receive regular, weekly treatment while others are able to stay home is anxiety inducing. I was in pain, I was anxious, and I was just hoping it all worked out. It more than worked out. I hope Jill, Siri, and Kris know how much their hard work and "hanging in there" meant to me. I am eternally grateful. I can't recommend you all enough. If you choose this law firm, you won't be sorry!
Beloved Temple
June 3, 2022.
I was very pleased with the handling of my case and settlement with Cohen& Cohen. I appreciate them, would highly recommend them.
willie howell
May 25, 2022.
COHEN & COHEN ARE THE BEST I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CAR CRASH AND 2 YEARS LATER I HAVE RECEIVED MY SETTLEMENT I AM VERY EXCITED TO SAY BRYAN!!! IS THE MAN HE INSURED THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF ME AND THEY DID 100% ANY QUESTIONS I ASKED THEY WERE ANSWERED. Jill and SIRI WAS ALSO REMARKABLE AND SHOWED THEY REALLY CARED I RECOMMEND COHEN &COHEN TO ANYONE THEY ALSO MADE SURE I GOT MORE THAN EXPECTED WHICH WAS AMAZING I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS THANK U💯
Jose Rivera
May 25, 2022.
The legal team at cohen & cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job
Lea Harvey
May 25, 2022.
I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side.
Cameron Galloway (HustleDaGod)
May 19, 2022.
Kris was phenomenal. Spectacular communication & knowledge in regards to my case. Would definitely return if I needed more legal services. 100% definitely recommend.