Common Road Issues in Florida Due To Weather

Florida drivers know when the rain clouds roll in, that can often times mean trouble for even the most cautious drivers.

Contributed by: Preston Van Dyke

Florida drivers know that not every day in the sunshine state is sunny. When the rain clouds roll in, that can often times mean trouble for even the most cautious drivers. Standing water can cause reduced traction, driving rain often affects visibility and high winds can throw all sorts of hazards into the roadway. If you’re aware of the potential dangers of wet weather, and you know how to deal with them calmly, you stand a much better chance of avoiding accidents and the many problems that come along with them.

One of the biggest problems associated with wet weather is reduced traction. Any time there is water on the ground, you may experience traction issues. This is due to the fact that the water interferes with the ability of your tires to grip the surface of the road. Driving through standing water can even result in hydroplaning, which is a situation that involves your car sliding uncontrollably over the surface of the water.

If it hasn’t rained in a while, even a small amount of water on the ground can result in slick roadways. The rain can mix with oil and debris on the road and around construction site with traffic barriers, which often results in a very slippery surface.

The best way to stay safe on wet roads is to take it slow. You should also avoid the outer lanes, since they are more likely to be covered in standing water. Most roads have a natural crown in the middle, which can keep them relatively dry. If your tires are in good shape, that will also help prevent you from hydroplaning.

If your car does start to hydroplane, you will need to remain calm. Any sudden action, such as slamming on your brakes, may cause even more problems. If you remove your foot from the gas pedal and avoid any rapid movements of the steering wheel, you should be able to regain control. You should also keep your cruise control off if you see any standing water on the road. This is due to the fact that your car may speed up if it hydroplanes with the cruise control on.

The other main problem associated with wet weather is reduced visibility. A severe storm can cut visibility down to nothing, so it’s important to keep your speed down in those conditions. If you don’t reduce your speed, the increased stopping time and decreased visibility can result in an accident.

Rain can also make your windshield foggy, so you should keep your defroster and air conditioning on. Even if your windshield is clear, a sudden change in temperature or humidity can cause the glass to fog up very quickly. You should also keep your headlights on, which will help other drivers see you.

In some cases, the only way to deal with heavy rain is to pull to the side of the road and wait for it to pass. If the rain gets so heavy that you aren’t able to see the road, that’s the safest way to deal with the situation. Heavy rain like that typically passes within a few minutes, and you will be much safer once you get back on the road.