Studies Show that Spring is Wettest Time of the Year in Lone Star State
Data collected over the last century indicates that April and May are the wettest months of the year across Texas, with some locations around the state getting upwards of 10 inches of rain from mid-March through the end of May, nearly one-third of the annual rainfall. As much as half of that can come in May. All that rain is good for agriculture and other things, but it can wreak havoc on the roadways.
How Heavy Spring Rains in Texas Often Lead to an Increase in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Rainfall can present problems on the roadways for a variety of reasons:
- The heavy rainfall can dramatically reduce visibility behind the wheel
- Even small amounts of precipitation on the roadways can make them very slippery—the roads will typically be most treacherous when it first starts to rain, as oil on the road will rise to the surface
- Significant pooling of rain water can lead to hydroplaning, where the wheels of a tire fail to make purchase with the pavement
Steps that You Can Take to Reduce the Risk of a Rain-Related Car Accident
There are ways to minimize the likelihood of a wreck in rainy Texas weather:
- You can always stay home—It may not be your first choice, but it may be the wisest, particularly if the rains are projected to be heavy
- You can adjust your driving habits to respond to the inclement weather—Reduce your speed, particularly around corners, and be willing to give yourself more room behind the car in front of you.
- Keep your eyes on the road—You should do this regardless of the weather, but it’s even more critical when you’re facing adverse roadway conditions because of rain. Don’t worry about the car stereo, any emails or text messages or roadside attractions. Don’t take the opportunity to eat, drink or groom while you’re driving down the road.
- Brake gently, if possible—If you give yourself sufficient distance, you won’t have to slam on the brakes. When you slam on the brakes on wet pavement, you can easily start to skid.
- Be prepared for fog on your windows—A common occurrence in rainy conditions is condensation or fog on the inside of your windows. Don’t use your heater. If you have a defog setting on your temperature control, use it. Otherwise, run the air conditioning on front and back windows.
- Make certain your vehicle is equipped for the weather—Check your windshield wipers on a regular basis and install new ones, if necessary. Make certain your tires have sufficient tread to minimize the risk of hydroplaning.
Contact the Proven Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we have more than 40 years of experience helping personal injury victims across Texas get full and fair compensation for the carelessness or negligence of others, including people who have been hurt in any type of car, truck or motorcycle crash. In our decades in practice, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for victims of personal injury. We will aggressively help you pursue full and fair compensation when you have been hurt in any type of accident. Contact us by e-mail or 844-402-2992 call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
