Navigating Chicago’s Wet Roads: Tips for Driving Safely During Rainy Fall Weather
As fall descends upon Chicago, the heavy rain can make roads slippery and harder to drive on. Everyone on the road must be more cautious, as even experienced drivers can hydroplane or lose control in poor visibility.
If you drive recklessly in bad weather and cause a car accident, you can be held liable for any damages to property or injuries that occur. However, If you or a loved one is hurt in such an accident, there is help available for the suffering you are experiencing.
Common dangers of driving in rainy fall weather
Driving on rainy roads can be tough, especially in a busy city like Chicago. Look out for these dangers to keep yourself safe:
Hydroplaning
This scary phenomenon happens when water builds up between your tires and the road, causing your car to slide and lose control because your tires can’t get a proper grip. It’s more likely to occur in places with bad drainage or during heavy rain.
Lower visibility
Rain can make it difficult to see, especially at night. When light from car headlights and streetlights hits wet surfaces, it can make it even harder to see clearly. These might lead to accidents as drivers get confused.
Longer stopping times
Wet roads reduce the grip of your tires, making it take longer to stop your car.
Slippery roads
Over time, oil and dirt accumulate on roads, and when it rains, they create slippery conditions that can cause car skids and accidents.
Safe driving tips for wet conditions
Try these tips to stay safer when out on the roads:
Slow down and keep your distance
Wet roads can make it slippery and harder to stop quickly. By driving a touch slower than the speed limit, you give yourself more time to react and reduce the chance of sliding into another car, a pole, or a ditch.
Also, be sure to leave extra space between your car and the one ahead. A good idea is to double how much space you usually keep.
Turn on your headlights and wipers
Even when it’s only lightly raining, it can be harder to see. Turning on your headlights and windshield wipers helps other drivers see you better and also clears your vision to help you notice any dangers on the road. We promise no one will think you are being too dramatic.
Avoid sudden movements
Quick stops or sharp turns can cause your car to slip. Brake gently and turn smoothly to stay in control.
Check your tires
Worn-out tires can easily slide on wet roads. Make sure your tires have enough grip and are rotated annually.
What to do after a wet weather car accident
These are the steps to take after a wet weather car accident:
Take pictures
Capture images of the accident scene, the road conditions, and any damage to your car. Your insurance company (and those that insure any other parties involved) are going to want to see as many photos as possible.
Call the authorities
An officer can take statements and make an official report about the accident. Some insurance companies might require this document. In case of emergency, dial 911. For non-emergencies (e.g. no one seems seriously hurt and nothing is on fire), you can dial 311.
See a doctor
Even if you don’t have visible injuries it’s a good idea to get a medical check-up because some issues like concussions or internal bleeding might not be obvious right away.
Talk to a lawyer
An experienced lawyer like the McCready Law team can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Who is at fault for rainy weather accidents?
Chicago drivers must adjust their habits in the rain: slow down, maintain a safe distance, and exercise caution to avoid accidents and liability.
One thing to note is that Illinois has a rule called comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) for car accidents. This means that if both people are partly to blame for an accident, the amount of money you can get might be lowered depending on how much each person is at fault.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident on wet roads, the experienced attorneys at McCready Law can help you secure the compensation you deserve.