Torrential rain showers have plagued the Carolina’s all week and it doesn’t appear that we’re out of the danger zone quite yet. According to this news report, flash flooding is the number one cause of weather related-deaths in America. That means more people are killed from flash flooding than from hurricanes, tornadoes or blizzards. Strong rains can cause cars to hydroplane, in which their tires lose complete traction from the road causing them to slide out of control. When your vehicle hydroplanes, a driver has no control over braking or steering.
Heaving rains can also cause a road to collapse, posing a serious threat to drivers. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has put up barricades on roads that are particularly hazardous due to deep water. However, even if barricades aren’t up, the SCHP urges drivers to use caution and common sense. Lance Corporal Collins stated, “Just be that extra good driver. All those things we practice all the time–slowing down, driving defensively–when rain comes in like this it just amplifies all of that.”
As a North Charleston personal injury lawyer, I would like to remind drivers that the speed limits posted are for ideal weather conditions. You should travel extra slowly when driving through standing water. In addition, give the driver in front of you plenty of space so that you can brake in time. The SCHP has extra patrols in place to respond to car accidents and other emergencies as a result of this inclement weather.
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