FROM THE LEFT LANE (Article 5) – DRIVING IN THE RAIN SOUTH FLORIDA STYLE
Summer time in Florida means rain. During the summer months in Florida you can count on heavy down pours almost daily
It makes for dangerous driving. It can rain so hard in Florida that many drivers just park under a freeway overpass until it calms down.
Now is the time to make sure you and your car are prepared to drive in wet weather. Start by checking your wiper blades. Your wiper blades should be replaced once a year. Test out your wiper blades by washing your windshield. A new pair of blades is cheap compared with a traffic accident if you can’t see. If your tires are getting low on tread they lose their ability to channel water. That can result in hydroplaning, which can result in you sliding out of control. Do a visual inspection and replace any balding tires immediately. New tires will not only make your car handle better in the rain but you should notice better handling in all conditions. Don’t forget to check your spare tire and make sure it in good shape. There is nothing worse than getting a flat in the rain and not having a spare so you can get going.
Slow Down
The number one thing to remember when driving in the Rain is Slow Down! Wet roads mean it will be tougher for you to stop. Turn on your head lights and leave extra distance between you and other cars so you have the time to stop without slamming on the brakes. In heavy rain drive in the center lane instead of the right lane where lots of water collects. Keep back from big trucks, busses and other larger vehicles that may throw off lots of water. And don’t forget your umbrella. You’ll want to keep dry once you arrive.
DO NOT USE YOUR EMERGENCY FLASHERS:
Four-way emergency flashers should only be used while your vehicle is legally stopped or disabled on the highway or shoulder.
According to Florida law – (FS) 316.2397 The use of these emergency flashers while driving is illegal and it is most certainly not the job of the motoring public to regulate traffic to their concept of safety.
This is the danger:
1.) The law in Florida is to use flashers ONLY. You MUST ASSUME that the driver behind you KNOWS the LAW and will believe that when you approach a vehicle in your lane with flashers in front of you then you assume he is PARKED. You are then forced into an emergency lane change. It just causes general confusion which is inherently dangerous.
2.) With flashers your turn signals and brake lights are disabled (which makes sense, the car manufacturer assumes you only used them when stopped).
3.) During rain conditions flashing lights are both distracting and somewhat blinding to other drivers due to water reflections.
If you find yourself in such a position it is best to consult an attorney with substantial experience. There are so many different circumstances that a proper answer to your particular problem can only be obtained by a trained and experienced lawyer.
If you have been in an accident or any other legal matter our firm may be able to help you. Please contact Jupiter Legal Advocates at (561) 748-8000 or email us at [email protected] for further information and assistance. We try our very best to respond immediately.
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