April Showers Bring...Lots of Auto Accident?

April showers bring ... too many auto accidents? Maybe it's because we don't really understand how fundamentally the rain affects the road and in turn, the way we and others drive which may lead to more accidents. In any event, I would prefer that April showers bring May flowers. Here's an article that may help you reduce your risk when driving in bad weather. Rain, rain, go away Driving is safer on a sunny day Rain causes thousands of highway accidents each year largely caused by drivers who don’t realize that fair- and foul-weather driving are fundamentally different. It’s important to understand exactly how rain can cause an auto accident so that you can help minimize your risk when driving in bad weather. Two types of drivers In bad weather conditions there are two types of drivers who can increase the risk to others as well as themselves: excessively timid drivers and reckless drivers. Excessively timid — This driver may overestimate the danger of weather conditions and drive at unnecessarily slow speeds causing the traffic to back up. This can increase the risk of rear-end collisions and cause other drivers to take inappropriate risks as they try to overtake the slower driver. Reckless drivers — Reckless drivers often ignore the risks posed by bad weather and may continue to drive at full highway speed despite reduced visibility or flooded roads.  Even with four-wheel drive (4WD), vehicles can skid, and when they do their high speed makes it much more difficult to stop. Car accident prevention tips: First and foremost: slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather. Keep your eyes on the vehicle in front of you. Stay toward the middle lanes — water tends to pool in the outside lanes. Increase your following distance. Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you. Don’t follow large trucks or busses too closely — the spray created by their large tires reduces your visibility. Don’t brake suddenly. Correctly defog your windows. Turn your headlights on even in light rain, fog or overcast conditions. They help you see the road and other drivers see you. Don’t turn on your flashers; they are for emergencies only and may confuse other drivers. Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. Never drive through moving water and avoid standing water. Rain, rain, go away … but until it does, it’s a good idea to slow down and allow extra time to get to your destination. It’s also a good idea to call me so you can be sure you have the coverage you want to help protect yourself, your family and your vehicle. Contact us: Marianne Hobbs Insurance Agency             602.547.1970       http://www.farmersagent.com/mhobbs