Rainy season can be a dangerous time for drivers in Iowa. When roads are slick and visibility is low, the effects of negligent drivers can be magnified. Drivers may encounter thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding. When the weather is acting up, drivers may need to be additionally cautious in order to avoid a disaster.
One common cause of car accidents in rainy weather is hydroplaning, when cars skid or slide on a wet surface without the control of the driver. A car begins to hydroplane when its tires encounter too much water to be able to handle it properly. Due to the pressure of the water in front of the tire, water is pushed underneath. This creates a layer of water separating he tires from the ground, causing the vehicle to lose traction as the tires sit above the surface of the road.
This is not a phenomenon that only happens in deep puddles; in fact, hydroplaning can be more of a threat at the very beginning of a storm. Oil residues on the road can combine with early rainfall to create a particularly slippery surface before the residues are cleared away by greater amounts of rain. If a car is hydroplaning, drivers can protect themselves by turning into the slide rather than overcorrecting or trying to slam on the brakes.
Safe drivers can take action to protect roadway safety, but the effects of distracted, drowsy or drunk drivers can be even more dangerous in rainy weather. People who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by the negligence of another motorist might want to have the help of an attorney when seeking compensation for their medical expenses and other losses.