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Driving In Wet Conditions | Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC

Yesterday a car flipped over on I-64 East, in Charleston. //www.wvgazette.com/Multimedia/topmedia/201305060138

Luckily, no one was hurt in this wreck, but the potential for injury was great. The police attribute slick roads to the accident.

Accidents like these happened on a daily basis. People tend to get complacent driving and "out-drive"the conditions. People speed or don't allow enough room to stop on wet road surfaces. Driving in wet conditions requires an adjustment in how a person drives his/her car.

In wet/rainy conditions, it is recommended that a driver:

  • Slow Down - at 30 miles per hour, it takes almost 50% more distance to stop a vehicle. The stopping distance goes up dramatically as a driver goes faster ;
  • Stay toward the middle lane - this is because most roadways are crested in the middle and water will flow to the sides;
  • Turn on your headlights - rain obscures your vision. This is exacerbated by the fact that light is typically lower in rainy conditions. This serves two functions: (1) you can see better; and (2) other motorists can see you better; and

Don't follow too closely - as was stated before, it takes longer to stop on wet pavement, but also if you follow too closely, your vision will be obscured by the spray created by the lead vehicle.

Moreover, you need to monitor the tread-life of your tires. If your tires are improperly inflated or overly worn, it will increase the odds of you losing control of your vehicle. This is especially true in wet conditions where you can hydroplane.

The results of car wrecks can be catastrophic. It's not uncommon for injuries to range from broken bones to facial traum to traumatic brain injuries to paralysis and even to death.

Damon, Bernie and I have handled hundreds of motor vehicle accident cases for our clients. Many of which were a result of the at-fault driver "out-driving" the conditions. We know what questions to ask, what experts to hire and how to properly pursue cases on behalf of our clients. If you or one of your family members has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please contact Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC.

As always....at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, it's not just business...it's personal.

Charleston, WV

Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC
10 Hale St Suite 501
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 720-1000

Columbus, OH

Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC
20 E Broad St Suite 1000
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 587-8423