Holiday Rain

Rain, Rain, Go Away……leave in time for Christmas Day!!!

Georgia has seen quite a bit of rainfall the past couple of days---leaving us feeling a bit groggy and tired from the dreary conditions. And while we are all making our last minute preparations for Christmas, we need to be mindful of road conditions at all times.

Believe it or not, any bit of rainfall can change the dynamics of the road and its drivers. Dreary conditions create challenges for drivers as it has a great impact on the road. According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 600,000 crashes a year are caused by rain and 3,000 people are killed in rain-related accidents. Driving in the rain reduces perception and poses an even greater threat to oncoming cars, pedestrians and traffic signs. In Georgia alone, we see more than 2,300 accidents a day, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation, and those accidents increase when rain becomes a factor.

The Department of Motor Vehicles provides tips for preparing your car and for driving in rainy conditions. Take a peek and make sure you check the list twice so you don’t end up on the road’s naughty list.

Prepping Your Car
1.    Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly and they do a sufficient job when the rain is pouring down.
2.    Lights! Lights! Double check that all your front and rear lights are working. Visibility is lowered in the rain, so making sure your lights are properly functioning will help other vehicles know when you are stopping.
3.    Air Conditioning. Keep things cool on your windshield as this prevents it from fogging up and decreasing your visibility even more.

Driving Tips
1.    Slow it Down! Reaction time is a factor when the rain is hitting the pavement.
2.    Keep those Headlights On! Even in the daylight, it is pertinent in keeping your lights on! This will help oncoming vehicles see you---especially if fog is a factor!
3.    Avoid acceleration and severe braking! Quick changes on slick roadways can cause a mess. Accelerate and brake smoothly when driving in the rain---and always be attentive to the road ahead.

At Kaine Law, we hope these tips find you well this holiday season. More importantly, we hope the rain stops in time for a dry and safe Christmas day! Cheers to you and yours!