{"id":4042,"date":"2021-01-12T17:01:06","date_gmt":"2021-01-13T01:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vernfonk.confiedev.net\/blog\/?p=4042"},"modified":"2021-01-12T17:01:07","modified_gmt":"2021-01-13T01:01:07","slug":"driving-rain-dangerous","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vernfonk.confiedev.net\/blog\/tips\/driving-rain-dangerous\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Driving in the Rain Dangerous?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Here in the Pacific Northwest, rain is a pretty common occurrence. But how does it affect your driving? Unsurprisingly, statistics show driving in the rain is the deadliest weather-related factor<\/a> when it comes to car crashes \u2014 even more deadly than winter weather<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just How Deadly Is Driving in the Rain?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Federal Highway Administration notes that there were 556,151 crashes in the rain between 2007 and 2016. That accounts for 10% of all vehicle crashes and 46% of weather-related crashes. In those crashes, a whopping 212,647 people were injured. And unfortunately, 2,473 people were killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These numbers aren\u2019t counting times when the pavement is wet from a previous rain shower. When we factor in those conditions, there were 860,286 total crashes and 4,050 total deaths. In total, wet pavement and rain account for 76% of all weather-related fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Driving in the Rain so Dangerous?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons why driving in the rain isn\u2019t as safe as a dry and sunny day. First, as the road gets wet, it becomes harder for your tires to maintain traction. Even just a thin layer of water can make asphalt extremely slippery, meaning it will be harder for you to stop. When water starts to pool on the road and in puddles<\/a>, this can cause a dangerous phenomenon known as hydroplaning. This is when you start to skid out of control and can lead to you crashing into other cars or an embankment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, rain makes it harder to see the road in front of you. When there\u2019s a big downpour, you may not be able to see road signs, road lines, or even the cars in front of you. You may not have a chance to stop in time if there\u2019s an obstacle in your path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Staying Safe in the Rain<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several things you can do to improve your safety when driving in the rain, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n