Weather can play a significant role in car accidents. From sleet, black ice, slush and wet slick road surfaces, these types of weather conditions present hazardous conditions for all road users. One of the most commonly dangerous but sometimes overlooked conditions to drive in, is rain.  

Rain has been a factor in many car accidents in the Ottawa area and across Ontario. At Burn Tucker Lachaîne, our car accident lawyers believe that during inclement weather, drivers should be more attentive and decrease their speeds to avoid a loss of control that is often associated with slippery road conditions. We have represented many clients who have suffered from weather related car accidents and seen the range of injuries that have impacted them and their families.

Below are just a few ways that rain can contribute to motor vehicle accidents.

1. When driving in the rain, it is more difficult to maintain control of the vehicle as the required friction between the road and the tires can significantly limited.

2.  Rain can affect the speed of traffic: more occurrences of people tapping their brakes or lowering their speeds.  In rainy conditions, both reckless and timid drivers can cause serious and fatal car accidents, usually from rear-ending other vehicles when they fail to stop their vehicle in time.

3.  Visibility is often hampered due to the rain, causing a host of accident variables.

4.  Lanes may be covered with water, making it difficult to gauge the direction of the road as well as negatively impact control of the vehicle.

5.  Rain can cause a driver to over-correct when driving.

6.  Hydroplaning is when a thin layer of water on top of the road causes a vehicle’s tires to lose contact with the road.  In the case of hydroplaning, the driver has little to no control of the vehicle. The loss of control combined with the car’s momentum may cause disastrous consequences.

A few tips for driving in rainy weather are:

1.  Reduce speed.  Driving slower increases the driver’s reaction times so that braking can be more effective.

2.  Take note of the vehicle in front of you. Maintain a safe distance and be aware that the tire traction may not be as effective, so braking distance should be increased.

3.  Ensure that you defog your windows when necessary.  Defogging is most effective if you turn on the defogger or air directed at your windscreen before you begin your drive during wet weather conditions or at least, immediately when ‘fogging up’ begins.

4.  Avoid braking rapidly and suddenly.

5.  Pull over at a safe spot and put the hazard lights on if it is raining too heavily and wait it out.

There were numerous accidents in many Ontario communities in late October, as much of the province experienced heavy rain conditions accompanied by wind. Pedestrians have been struck by cars.  Poor visibility and slick roads were partly responsible for these accidents.

On August 26, 2015, similarly wet driving conditions resulted in a serious accident on Highway 417 in Kanata. On this wet afternoon, a tow truck driver was responding to a two car collision when another driver lost control of her Honda Civic and rammed into the tow truck driver and one of the vehicles involved in the original collision. Witnesses say it was pouring rain at the time of the accidents, which likely factored in the collisions.  

The 46 year old tow truck driver was transported to an Ottawa hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. Three vehicle occupants were also injured, with likely spinal and back injuries, including the two occupants of the Honda and a driver of the car that was struck. It is reported that the latter was not wearing his seatbelt while parked at the side of the highway, which intensified the impact to his upper body.

The accident lawyers at Burn Tucker Lachaîne are well experienced in representing clients who have been hurt in any type of motor vehicle accident or personal injury. Our practice is comprised of both English and French speaking lawyers with experience in negligence suits and accident disability claims.

At Burn Tucker Lachaîne, our first priority is your well-being. We are available to answer your questions during a free consultation. We take the stress and worry about the legalities surrounding the accident away from you, to help you focus on recovering as fully and quickly as possible. Visit us online or call us for a free consultation at our office, in your home or at the hospital.