Committed to helping you heal while we recover.

The Rains Return to Seattle

On Behalf of | Sep 15, 2017 | Safe Driving

By Pendergast Law on September 15, 2017

The beginning of this month brought some serious heat and smoke from the Oregon wildfires to Seattle. The heat was a relief to those who sometimes get sick of Seattle’s rain, but it was short-lived. Rain has now returned to the city. And while this might be good news for residents who love Seattle’s damp, moody climate, it could be dangerous for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Road Hazards

City streets put up with a lot. Leaves, oil from the cars that constantly pass over them, and grease from large trucks. When it’s dry out, these things don’t present a huge problem. While the oil and grease will continue to build up, they’re generally not slippery enough to pose a hazard. Leaves will blow away and even when they don’t, drivers don’t have a problem driving through them.

But something happens when it rains. The oil that builds up during dry periods now sits on top of the water, causing it to spread all over. These sections of road are very slippery and can easily cause an accident.

Leaves, on the other hand, may become stuck; and wet leaves are already very slippery on their own. Driving over these wet leaves can cause a driver to lose control of his vehicle, especially if it’s already hydroplaning.

Sometimes, it’s not about what’s on the road, but rather how the road is constructed. When there are large potholes, they can easily become filled and hidden by large amounts of rain. Running through them can cause damage to the tires, electrical systems, or other parts of the car; it can also cause accidents. Hitting a pothole can cause a car to veer off the road, possibly hitting pedestrians or cyclists traveling along the shoulder.

Driving Safely in Rain

This rain should have those in the city thinking about how to remain safe on the streets. Pedestrians need to be aware that vehicles take a bit longer to stop or slow down, and cyclists and drivers should try to give each other a little more room to maneuver around. Of course, anyone traveling on wheels should slow down when the conditions are wet. Safety first!

Have you been involved in a pedestrian, bicycle, or car accident and you believe another person was at fault? You might be able to claim compensation for any injuries or damages. Give us a call at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., today at 888-539-9211 so we can review your case.

Archives