Florida’s Rainy Day Driving Laws
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are nearly 6 million car crashes each year. More than 20% of these are weather-related, meaning they occur in adverse weather or on slick pavement. Most weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement (70%) and during rainfall (46%).
Drivers usually know that extra caution should be used in wet conditions to avoid hydroplaning, but it may surprise you to know that Florida has laws drivers must follow in adverse weather conditions.
Headlights
Section 316.217(1)(b), Florida Statutes, states: “Every vehicle operated upon a highway within this state shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices … under the following conditions: … [d]uring any rain, smoke or fog.”
This is an important law to know and follow. You do not want to give a police officer or an insurance company an opportunity to place blame on you for an accident caused by someone else simply because you failed to turn on your headlights. Keep in mind that most cars have automatic settings for headlights. If you use the auto setting, be sure the headlights turn on in the rain every time and not just under low-light conditions.
Flashing Lights
While headlights should be turned on in the rain, flashing lights should only be used when your car is lawfully stopped or disabled. In fact, pursuant to Section 316.2397(7)(a), Florida Statutes, it is illegal to use flashing lights when driving. If you feel the conditions are impeding your ability to safely see the road and control your car, carefully stop your vehicle on the side of the road and use the flashing lights. Otherwise, the flashing lights may create a hazard for yourself and others.
Speed
Speed is always a factor in car accidents, but even more so in crashes that occur in adverse weather. In fact, in adverse weather, you may need to drive at a slower speed than the posted speed limit. Florida law states: “No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.” §316.183(1), Fla. Stat.
Further, Florida drivers are required to “drive at an appropriately reduced speed when … [a]ny special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.” §316.183(4)(e), Fla. Stat.
The next time you’re driving in the rain, remember these simple rules:
· lights on when raining;
· no flashing lights when driving;
· slow down.
If you or a loved one was injured as the result of a car accident, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Baggett Law. Our consultations are always free and confidential.
