The dominant weather feature of Nevada is sun, and it rarely rains. However, the few storms that do sweep through catch drivers off guard, making the roads hazardous and increasing the risk of accidents. Knowing about how weather affects driving and taking appropriate safety measures can make all the difference in keeping yourself and others safe. 

If you’ve been injured in a collision that weather has caused, a seasoned Henderson car accident lawyer can explain your rights and options for recovery and argue on your behalf to seek fair compensation.

How Rainy Weather Affects Road Conditions

There are a multitude of ways rain can impact the roads:

  • Lessened Traction: Water on the highway lowers friction in tires, making stopping or trying to manage the vehicle worse. Roadways that do not get cleaned by rain over some time build up a lot of oil and other remnants that mix with rainwater, creating slick surfaces.
  • Increased stopping time: On wet roads, vehicles take longer time to stop. This factor is coupled with reduced visibility, making the avoidance of any sudden hazard difficult to the driver.
  • Poor visibility: The power of headlights becomes reduced and so does the working efficiency of windscreen wipers, making other vehicles, pedestrians, and other road signs difficult to observe.
  • Hydroplaning Hazards: More water than the road can handle may result in the tires losing contact with the pavement and will create a loss of control described as hydroplaning.

Weather Trends in Nevada and Accident Dangers

Although Nevada gets less rain compared to large parts of the country, whenever it does rain, accident rates increase significantly. Drivers who are not used to driving in wet conditions tend to underestimate the risks involved, especially after the first rainfall following a dry spell.

Driving Safety Tips on Rainy Days

In order to minimize the occurrence of accidents each time it rains in Nevada, here are some safety tips:

  • Go Slow: Reduce speed to maintain a reasonable control over the vehicle. Speed limit posted cannot be suitable in bad weather.
  • Increase Fallowing Distance: Provide more length between your vehicle and the front car for being on the safe side, in view of longer stoppage.
  • Activate Headlights: Switch on your low-beamed headlights to keep a better visible profile and, at the same time, get viewed by coming vehicles.
  • Check your tires: Have good tread on your tires, as it provides increased traction on wet roads. 
  • Avoid Sudden Movements: Accelerate and brake smoothly and turn gradually to maintain contact with the pavement. Stay alert for flooded areas, and do not drive through any standing water that could cause your vehicle to lose control or stall.
  • Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists: Reduced visibility makes it more difficult to see people sharing the road, so be extra cautious.
  • Windshield wipers and defrosters: Maintain clearer visibility by keeping your windshield clear with good wiper blades and properly working defoggers.

The Importance of Staying Prepared

Even though weather conditions are rarely rainy, one should always be prepared for sudden turns. Regular maintenance of your car’s wipers, brakes, and tires can help you avoid an accident. In addition, you will be able to make safer travel decisions if you check the weather conditions before you leave.

Knowing how different weather conditions affect the road and using safe driving habits will make the roads of Nevada a safer place to drive. Together, these help reduce accidents and inculcate a sense of responsibility among drivers.