Hurricane Season to Bring Difficult Driving Conditions to Florida’s Highways
As we enter hurricane season, we are sure to face challenging weather conditions and driving hazards that we do not have to contend with for most of the year. In fact, forecasters are beginning to warn us of the upcoming weather events and potential for flash floods and flooding in general. Unlike so many other parts of the country that has to deal with winter weather driving issues, here in Florida we enjoy the absence of snow and ice. However, wet roads and flooding present their own set of hazardous driving conditions that can easily lead to accidents of all types, from minor fender benders to serious fatal collisions.
The Hazards of Hydroplaning
Losing control of one’s car is a frightening feeling no matter what the circumstance. It does not take a lot for this to happen on wet roads, even when there is just a thin layer of water on the road surface. When a car skids or slides across the wet surface and loses traction, which then often can lead to a loss of ability to steer and brake the vehicle, hydroplaning has occurred; the vehicle’s tires are actually separated from the road surface by the film of water. Other factors such as oil or debris on the road surface, excessive speed, or defective/worn tires contribute greatly to the chances that hydroplaning will occur on a wet road.
How to Prevent Hydroplaning
While we cannot control the weather, there are specific actions that we can take to minimize the chances that we will experience hydroplaning and the loss of control of our vehicles due to it. Preventive measures include:
- Maintain the condition of your tires and replace when they are worn
- Keep tires inflated to the proper pressure
- Drive at slower speeds when weather conditions and wet roads require it
- Avoid puddles or the sides of the roads where puddling tends to occur
- Brake and turn slowly and with care
If you have started to hydroplane, it is important to not panic. Slow down but do not slam on the brakes to do so. Look for open space and head for it as you ease off the gas pedal. The goal is to recover control of your vehicle so you can avoid an accident if at all possible.
Boone & Davis Has the Experience You Can Trust to Handle Your Accident Case
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident, contact Boone & Davis today. Our car accident attorneys have experience handling any and all types of auto accidents and will work hard at your side to help you get the results you deserve. Our legal professionals along with our caring and compassionate staff will help you to understand what may happen as your case progresses through the legal system so that you always know what is going on. Let us help you get the results you are looking for. Contact us by phone at 954.556.5260 or online to schedule your no cost, no obligation consultation.
