Rain Biggest Contributor to Car Accidents

The seasonal flooding that hit the northern areas of South Africa this year has already accounted for growing numbers of motor vehicle accidents, some of them fatal.

Multiple car pile ups on the highways and byways of the country have featured prominently in the news. With the stormy winter weather fast approaching Cape Town and surrounds, odds are the rain and associated slippery roads will play havoc in the south too.

Personal Injury Attorneys on Alert

Personal injury attorneys in Cape Town are bracing themselves for yet another busy winter season. It’s not all doom and gloom though; should you be a victim of a car accident on wet and slippery roads, there is legal recourse via road accident claims against the Road Accident Fund and/or to the offending party’s personal insurance company.

A simple equation, however, is to avoid the unpleasant consequences of a motor vehicle accident altogether by educating road users on how to drive on wet, slippery roads. You needn’t be a rocket scientist to realise that extra vigilance and less speed is required when driving in the depths of the wet and chilly Cape winter!

Wet Weather Road Safety Tips

We’ve collated a couple of important wet weather road safety tips designed to lower the incidence of motor vehicle accidents:

Is Your Motor Car in a Road Worthy Condition?

More than ever, ensure your motor car is completely road worthy by checking the tread of your tyres, the efficacy of your wind screen wipers and brakes, whether your lights and brake lights are fully operational and the state of your shock absorbers. Should any of these components be under par, the probability of an accident on wet roads increases in leaps and bounds!

Drive Slowly & Defensively

Speed kills, especially on wet roads when traction is a problem. Drive slowly but ensure you are over the minimum speed limit otherwise you could be severely rear ended or be the initial cause of a major pile up. Drive defensively as though a problem is certain to arise, keep your eyes firmly on the vehicle in front of you and don’t overtake in poor visibility.

Adhere to a Safe Following Distance

Give yourself plenty of time to react positively by keeping a safe following distance between your vehicle and the car in front. Watch out for any reaction from the driver ahead and, if appropriate, follow suit.

Avoid Braking Suddenly

Braking suddenly or erratically on wet roads is very likely to cause you and the car behind you to go into a skid. If this should happen, don’t panic and try and over correct the vehicle, simply lean into it, take your foot off the brake pedal, steer straight and wait for the car to slow down and correct itself.

Use Your Defogger

Ensure you have optimum visibility by defogging your windows properly. If you don’t have a heater or air conditioner, simply open the windows wide and let nature do the trick.

Watch out for Puddles or Standing Water

Try to avoid any water build up or puddles by driving as close to the middle of the road as is safe. If you have to drive through standing water, tap your brake pedal gently as this will dry out the tyres and increase traction.

What to Do in the Case of a Wet Weather Car Accident

If you are a victim of a motor vehicle accident, it’s essential you seek the advice of experienced personal injury attorneys immediately. They will institute a claim or claims on your behalf against the Road Accident Fund and the offending driver’s insurance company.

Be warned, however -  the claim must be lodged with the RAF within three years of the date of the accident, if the driver is known, or within two years in the case of a hit and run accident!

Where to Find Legal Advice Online

Personal injury attorneys in Cape Town, with years of experience in successful road accident claims, are Devries, Shields and Chiat. Their strong online presence at www.dsclaw.co.za enables you to browse their credentials, ascertain whether you, in fact, have a claim and to contact them online for a consultation. Visit the site now for the best personal injury legal advice in the Cape!