Winter Driving Tips for South Carolina Roads

Residents of South Carolina are familiar with the state’s unpredictable weather patterns. While there is no telling what any given day will bring, in terms of the weather, one thing is for sure: South Carolina is a rainy state. According to the most current weather data from 2019, South Carolina gets about 25 percent more rain than the national average. Of course, with wet roads come dangerous driving conditions.

During times of inclement weather, it is especially important that drivers take extra precautions to stay safe. Driving on wet roads presents a challenge to even the most skilled drivers. When roads can create the following hazards:

Potholes can fill up with water, making them much harder to avoid;
Heavy rain can make seeing lane markings more difficult to see;
Rainstorms greatly reduce a driver’s visibility;
Even a small amount of water on the road cause the road to become slick; and
Moderate amounts of rain can cause vehicles to hydroplane.

Given these hazards, motorists must be extra careful when driving in the rain. Below are some winter driving tips motorists should keep in mind when driving in the rain or any time of inclement weather:

Consider staying home: If you do not need to go out, stay home. The risk of getting into a South Carolina car accident greatly increases during times of bad weather. Drivers should consider limiting all non-essential travel.
Slow down: All drivers are taught to follow the speed limit. However, the speed limit assumes ideal driving conditions. If the road conditions are compromised in any way, motorists should reduce their speed, especially when roads are wet or icy.
Change speeds slowly: Accelerating and decelerating too quickly can cause a car to lose traction, increasing the chances of a spin-out. Motorists should be sure to avoid quick changes in speed.
Brake carefully: Many South Carolina weather-related accidents result from a motorist’s inability to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision. Drivers should know the type of braking system in their vehicle, and how to effectively use the brakes in wet weather. For example, those driving cars with anti-lock brakes should apply firm pressure to the brake without letting up.
Leave plenty of room: When road conditions are compromised, drivers should give other motorists plenty of room. Rather than use the typical “three-second rule,” motorists should leave five or six seconds between themselves and the car in front of them.

By taking these precautions, drivers can reduce the chances of getting into a South Carolina car accident. However, even those who take every precaution cannot guarantee that other drivers will do the same. In some situations, another driver’s negligence creates a situation where an accident is unavoidable. When this occurs, accident victims should reach out to a dedicated Charleston car accident lawyer to discuss their options.

Reach Out to a Knowledgeable Charleston Personal Injury Attorney for Immediate Assistance

At the Steinberg Law Firm, we represent South Carolina car accident victims, helping obtain fair compensation for their injuries. If you have been in an accident, we are here for you. We understand that you will have many questions about the process, and we have answers. For more than 95 years, our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys has helped accident victims and their families get their lives back on track after a serious accident. We have deep roots in the Charleston area, and are proud to serve clients in Summerville, North Charleston, Goose Creek. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, call us at 843-720-2800. You can also reach us through our online form.