Can rain cause car accidents?

In the spring, rainstorms are common. You may have no choice but to drive in one, and many drivers do so safely. However, is it possible for a storm to cause a serious car accident? We know about the threat of winter storms in the northern states, but what about rainstorms in Louisiana?

They certainly can lead to car accidents. The Federal Highway Administration notes that they can impact driving through:

• Lane obstruction
• Visibility distance
• Pavement friction

You may especially notice this at night. A wet windshield really catches the glare from the headlights of the other cars. Your visibility is already lower due to the darkness. When these things combine, you may feel like you can hardly see anything.

There are also hazards from the way that other drivers react. Even if you drive perfectly in the storm, is another driver not going to see your car? They could cut you off, drift over the centerline, turn in front of you, or make all sorts of other critical errors.

Plus, it’s not as if the weather itself causes car accidents. The way people drive in that weather is what makes it dangerous. Someone who refuses to slow down even though they cannot see and the road does not offer much friction to allow them to stop quickly is a hazard because they’re not adjusting their driving for the conditions. This can put you and others in significant danger.

If you do get hit by a careless driver, whether it happens during a storm or not, make sure you are well aware of your legal rights.