Is Rain in the Forecast? 8 Tips for Driving in the Rain on Long Island

As rains flood the Northern State Parkways, leave the Long Island Expressway in puddles and turn Sunrise Highway a slick sliding surface, it's important for Long Island drivers to take special precautions when driving in the rain. New York personal injury attorney Neal Goldstein, who has handled many car accidents caused by rainy conditions, offers these 8 tips for keeping safe when driving in the rain:

1. Slow Down! Wet roads require more time to stop or change speed, so slowing down will give yourself the necessary time to react to an unexpected obstacle or condition. In addition, driving slowly will prevent your car from hydroplaning.
2. Drive in the middle lanes. Water tends to build up in the outer lanes.
3. Drive with your headlights on. Driving with your headlights on can greatly increase the ability for other drivers to see you. This is even more important in rainy weather conditions where visibility is reduced.
4. Keep more distance between you and the car in front of you. The general rule is to keep two seconds between your car and the driver in front of you; however, in wet or rainy conditions this distance should be increased to three or four seconds.
5. Be aware of the condition of your tires. Your ability to stop and the traction that you have with the road is directly dependent upon the condition of your tires. Tires with less tread have a lessened ability to channel water away from the road surface which reduces friction with the road. This can in turn hinder a driver's ability to avoid an accident.
6. Avoid high water and flooded areas. You should never attempt to drive through deep or moving water unless it is absolutely necessary. High water can destroy your engine, and flowing water can actually sweep your car off the roadway placing you in great danger.
7. Avoid using your brakes. If possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down. When you do need to use your break, do not break hard or fast as it can cause you to skid.
8. Don't follow large trucks or busses closely. Splash and spray from these vehicles can obscure your vision, creating a potentially disastrous driving situation. Keep your distance, and your windshield wipers on, when other traffic is in front of you.

Driving in inclement weather is always dangerous, but making an effort to be more conscientious of weather conditions and adapting to them can greatly increase your ability to navigate the road in any weather condition.

Contact Us Today
As carefully as you may be on a rainy day, you can't control how others drive. If you are in an accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Goldstein and Bashner for a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers will discuss your case, answer any questions you have, and let you know what to expect from the legal process. We have offices conveniently located in East Meadow, Central Islip and mid-town Manhattan.

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Nassau County Office
1778 Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, NY 11554
Phone: (516) 222-4000
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New York, NY 10170
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