Do You Know How to Prevent and Handle Hydroplaning?
If you live in Las Vegas, you know that when it rains, it pours. While infrequent, Las Vegas rain storms are intense and can be dangerous for drivers. Did you know that the vast majority of most weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement and during rainfall? According to the Federal Highway Administration, 70 percent occur on wet pavement and 46 percent occur during rainfall. One of the most difficult issues to handle while driving in the rain is hydroplaning. Here we will discuss how you can lessen your chances of hydroplaning. We will also provide tips on how you can handle hydroplaning.
We hope you stay safe on the roads. If a driver injures you in an accident, seek medical help. Once you have sought medical care, seek legal help from a personal injury lawyer. You may be unsure as to why you need a Las Vegas car accident lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. We offer years of experience representing clients who have been victims in Las Vegas area car accidents. Plus, you don’t have to worry if you can afford our Las Vegas car accident lawyers – we work on a contingency basis, so you only pay if we win your case. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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What Is Hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs as a result of water on the road that is deeper than the tire tread. This causes your tires to lose contact with the road and to start rolling on top of a thin film of water. Hydroplaning can cause you to lose steering and braking control. A loss of control can result in an accident. Stay safe on the roads with our following tips on how to prevent hydroplaning.
How to Prevent Hydroplaning
We all want to stay safe on the roads. While not every accident can be avoided, there are actions you can take as a driver to lessen your chances of hydroplaning. Below we discuss these actions and our tips to help prevent a water-related car accident.
Maintain Your Tires
Proper tire maintenance can lessen the chances of hydroplaning. The NHTSA provides the following advice regarding tire maintenance.
- Maintain proper tire pressure. Remember to regularly check your vehicle’s tire pressure.
- Check your vehicle’s tire tread. Tire tread is very important. It keeps the vehicle safe on wet roads and provides the vehicle’s gripping action and traction. Replace tires when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. Do not drive on tires with worn tread. It is not safe.
- Ensure proper balance and alignment. Have a qualified technician balance your tires and perform a wheel alignment.
- Abide by a recommended tire rotation schedule. Check your vehicle’s manual regarding tire rotation. The manual will provide instructions on how often the tires should be rotated and the best pattern for rotation.
Even if you properly maintain your tires, an accident can still happen. If you are a victim in a Las Vegas car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer will advocate your position and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. We don’t advise representing yourself in a Las Vegas car accident as the complexities of the law can make it difficult to ensure you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers provides expert representation to make sure you get maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
Reduce Your Speed
Hydroplaning is most likely to occur at speeds greater than 35 miles per hour. The risk of hydroplaning increases as you increase your speed. Slow down when there is rain and avoid sudden increases in speed. Sudden increases put you at a greater danger of hydroplaning. Always drive a safe speed for the road and weather conditions.
Turn Off Cruise Control
You should not drive with cruise control in wet weather. If you use cruise control, you may not have the same traction as you would without cruise control.
Avoid Puddles and Standing Water
Your vehicle’s grip on the road depends upon a small area of contact where the tires meet the road surface. According to AAA, this is called the tire’s footprint. Puddles and standing water impact footprint traction. Try to avoid driving through puddles and standing water.
Drive Smart
Accidents happen, even with the most cautious drivers. However, there are certain steps you can always take to lessen your chances of an accident.
- Remain calm. Driving in rainy and wet conditions can be stressful. Staying calm makes you a better driver and can lessen your chances of an accident.
- Drive sober. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Pay attention. Give your full attention to driving and avoid distractions.
Even the most cautious driver can be injured in an accident. If a Las Vegas driver injures you in a car accident, seek medical help immediately. Once you receive proper medical treatment, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. There is a difference: some lawyers in Las Vegas handle car accident cases, others offer the extensive experience you need when you’re the victim in a vehicle accident. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. Our law office is in Henderson, Nevada and we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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How to Handle Hydroplaning
How do you know if you are hydroplaning? You may be hydroplaning if you are driving on a wet road and suddenly feel like your vehicle is floating. It can also feel like your vehicle is veering in a direction on its own. This experience can scare even the most experienced driver. If you find yourself in this situation, take the following steps to stay as safe as possible.
- Remain calm. Take a deep breath and stay focused. Most hydroplane-related skids last for just a split second before your vehicle regains traction.
- Look and steer where you want to go. Continue to focus your eyes and the steering wheel in the direction you want your car to go.
- Do not brake. Your initial reaction may be to slam on the brakes. Resist this impulse. If you do brake, ease up on the brake until the skid is over. If you have to brake to avoid an accident and have anti-lock brakes, you can brake normally.
- Avoid acceleration. This can make the situation worse. If your foot is on the gas pedal, ease your foot off the gas pedal. If you are driving a manual transmission, disengage the clutch.
We hope these tips help you safely handle a hydroplaning experience. If another driver injures you on a rainy Las Vegas road, contact an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer.
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EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
You might hear from some well-meaning friends or look up information on the Internet that can make you question the need for a Las Vegas car accident lawyer. If you are injured by a Nevada driver, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can give you legal advice and help protect your rights. Our Las Vegas legal team understands that being an accident victim can be one of the most difficult things you will ever face. As you deal with injuries and wonder how to navigate the system, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced lawyer. You also might be wondering about what a Las Vegas car accident lawyer charges to represent you. You don’t have to worry about affordability. We don’t get paid unless you win. Our Las Vegas car accident lawyers offer you the best opportunity to gain maximum compensation.
Our personal injury lawyers handle all types of accident cases including: car accidents, motorcycle accidents, drunk driver accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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