As a driver in the state of Montana, you know one thing to be true: Road conditions are not always perfect. For example, you may find yourself faced with snow and ice during the cold winter months. And when winter gives way to spring, don’t be surprised if you take to the road when the rain is pouring down and the wind is whipping.
As you commute to and from your office, you know that you’ll have to share the road with other drivers. You also know that doing so in less than ideal weather conditions can be a challenge.
Here are some tips to follow if you’re driving in heavy rain:
- Turn your lights on. By taking this one step, you make it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle. This can go a long way in keeping you safe.
- Be patient. Although you may be in a hurry to reach your office or home, you don’t want to drive faster than the speed limit. In fact, in heavy rain, you need to slow down.
- Leave more space. There is never a good time to drive closely behind another vehicle, but this is even more so the case in wet weather. It is more difficult to stop your vehicle when the road is wet.
Along with changing your approach in the rain, here are some things to do if strong winds move into the area:
- Keep an eye on large vehicles. Commercial trucks, for example, find it difficult to remain in their lane of travel when the wind is blowing.
- Grasp the wheel. You should always have two hands on the steering wheel, especially when strong winds are in the area.
Even if you follow these tips for driving safely in rain and wind, there is no guarantee that other drivers will take the same approach. Instead, there are people who don’t care about the weather conditions, but are instead worried about nothing more than making good time.
If you’re involved in a rush hour motor vehicle accident, do these two things:
- Receive immediate medical treatment.
- Learn more about your legal rights, with an eye toward receiving compensation from the negligent party.