A Driving Rain

Does the standard of care change because it’s raining?

With all of the recent storms and unrelenting rain, more automobile accidents are occurring in the Tampa Bay area. Those accidents often result in injuries. In those circumstances, a rainy day can have longstanding consequences beyond just canceling weekend or outdoor plans.

The challenges with driving in the rain on the roads and bridges in our Tampa Bay community are made worse because of traffic congestion and what seems like never-ending road construction. You probably feel this worse if you drive on US 19 in Clearwater, the Veterans Expressway in north Tampa or on I-275. Impatient and distracted drivers are like fuel on the fire making dangerous driving conditions even more treacherous.

Now add to that mix poor visibility, wet and slick roads, areas of roadway flooding and even more traffic back-ups than usual and the likelihood of being in an accident goes from a possibility to a near certainty.

We are all legally required to exercise care to drive safely for the benefit of other drivers, passengers and pedestrians on the roadways. And that duty of care applies even more forcefully when it’s raining, and raining, and raining all the time. Meeting that standard of care requires that we all slow down, give more space to traffic ahead of us and exercise more patience for everybody else who wants to arrive safe and sound. Even before you get in your car, make sure that weather conditions are not so bad that you’re better off staying at home and that if you have to go out your motor vehicle is prepared for the inclement conditions (link to article on auto safety checklist for rain).

And just as a friendly reminder, wait until you get to your destination before reading this on Facebook.