Florida’s summer months are known for being filled with lots of afternoon storms and showers. It’s already dangerous to be on the road when a sudden storm hits, windshields fog up, and roads become slippery, but most experienced drivers, especially their Florida natives, know how to navigate the occasional summer storm. Unfortunately, Florida drivers (native and visitors) don’t just need to keep an eye out for heavy rain; there’s also the possibility of being caught in a hurricane. When summer begins, so does hurricane season.
Being in an accident during a storm can be terrifying and confusing. Liability may be difficult to determine because there’s an outside component that is out of all drivers’ control. At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A., we handled numerous car accident claims and can help you build a strong claim that holds the liable party responsible for any damages you have suffered.
4 Safety Tips for Driving During Florida’s Hurricane Season
Florida residents know how unpredictable weather can be, from a sunny day to a sudden powerful thunderstorm in a matter of minutes. These sudden powerful storms can cause flash floods, cause debris to be scattered, and the rain can make the road slippery and make it difficult to see clearly. These conditions are dangerous, and while the simple answer would be to simply not drive in a storm, Florida weather’s unpredictable nature can make it difficult to plan around storms or heavy showers. This is why drivers need to take extra precautions to be ready in case they get caught in a heavy storm.
1. Regularly Check Your Vehicle
While it’s always important to keep maintenance up for your vehicle, it can be vital during hurricane season. This means regularly looking at your:
- Breaks
- Headlights
- Tail lights
- Windshield wipers
- Tire pressure
Making sure the parts of your vehicle are all properly working can be a lifesaver during a storm. Slippery roads can cause cars to slide uncontrollably, but tires and brakes that are in good shape can prevent drivers from losing control of their cars, giving them the ability to prevent an accident. Properly functioning headlights and tail lights are also vital during hurricane season because they keep drivers visible. Visibility goes a long way in preventing accidents.
2. Maintain a Safe Distance
The general rule is that drivers are meant to have at least a two second gap between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, known as the two-second rule. However, many drivers tend to disregard this rule, especially during high-traffic situations when everyone just wants to get to their destination.
During a storm, it’s critical that drivers leave room for error because a storm increases the chance of an error occurring. Maintaining a safe distance gives you ample time to react in case the behavior of the vehicle in front of you becomes dangerous.
3. Turn Around When You See a Pool of Water
The saying “turn around don’t drown” is a warning to drivers who find themselves in flooded streets. Driving through flooded streets can severely damage your vehicle, not just because of the water, but because the water may also be obscuring debris that can damage your tires and undercarriage. Even if the water doesn’t appear deep, it’s better to avoid the risk by turning around. Flooded roads are often deceiving in their depths and what’s inside the water, making it difficult to navigate safely.
4. Know What to Do if You Start Spinning
On slick roads, it’s easy for cars to start spinning. It’s scary to feel your car start spinning, but during hurricane season, the likelihood of this occurring is greater. This is why it’s better to be prepared before it happens. If your car begins to skid or spin, do not slam on the brakes.
Understandably, when you begin feeling like you’re losing control of the car, the instinct is to hit the brakes. However, this can make the skidding/spinning worse. The best thing to do is take your foot off the gas and let your car coast through the skid while maintaining the wheel’s control. Gently turn the wheel in the direction you want to go, and slowly you’ll find yourself regaining control.
Contact an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
Hurricane season is dangerous for everyone, so people must take the precautions necessary to protect themselves and others. Unfortunately, not everyone does their part, and their negligent actions lead to serious accidents. Facing weeks, months, or even years of recovery because of someone else’s reckless or careless behavior can be very difficult to cope with as you’re trying to regain your footing.
At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A., we pride ourselves in being able to help our clients hold the at-fault parties accountable for their negligence. We understand how important filing a personal injury claim is and are committed to achieving the best possible results for your claim. Schedule a consultation today to start discussing your claim. Call (407) 843-7060 or fill out our contact form.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A.
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. Helping the injured since 1966, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.