Driving Safely in Rainy Weather: Western Washington Crash Risks and Tips

Rain is a constant companion here in Western Washington. Because drizzle is so common, it’s easy to forget that wet roads can be just as dangerous as snow or ice. In fact, rain plays a role in most weather-related crashes nationwide.

In this post, we’ll look at Western Washington’s unique rain challenges, the dangers drivers face on wet roads, and practical tips to stay safe.

Western Washington’s Unique Rain Challenges

Here in the Pacific Northwest, rain often feels routine. But even light drizzle can increase the risk of a crash. Some of the factors that make Western Washington especially tricky include:

Tree-covered, winding roads in Pierce and Thurston Counties that can be slick and shadowed.
Short daylight hours in fall and winter, which combined with rain, reduce visibility even more.
First rains after a dry spell, when oil and debris rise to the surface, making pavement extra slippery.
Heavy traffic and driver behavior, which can increase fender-benders during rainy commutes.

Even if you’ve driven in rain countless times, it’s important to stay alert to these local hazards.

How Often Does Rain Contribute to Crashes?

According to the Federal Highway Administration, rain is the leading cause of weather-related crashes in the U.S.:

Over 77% of weather-related crashes happen in rain or mist.
82% of weather-related injuries occur during rainy conditions.
74% of weather-related fatalities involve rain.

On average, that means over 574,000 crashes, 219,000 injuries, and 2,800 deaths each year nationwide linked to rain.

The takeaway: while rain may feel normal here, it is by far the most dangerous weather condition drivers face.

The Hidden Driving Dangers of Rain

When rain falls on Washington roads, drivers face several unique hazards:

Hydroplaning and Loss of Traction

Hydroplaning happens when your tires can’t grip the road because of water buildup. In an instant, your vehicle can skid or lose control.

Reduced Visibility

Raindrops, spray from other vehicles, and fogged windshields can make it difficult to see the road, other cars, and pedestrians.

Standing Water and Flooding

Puddles are deceptive. All it takes is a few inches to damage your car or cause you to lose contact with the road. In deeper water, vehicles risk stalling or being swept away. While less common in Western Washington, this danger is easy to underestimate.

Tips for Safer Rainy-Day Drives

The good news: there are simple steps that can help keep you safe when driving in rain.

Slow down so you have time to react.
Leave extra distance between you and the car ahead.
Maintain tires as good tread and inflation matter.
Replace wiper blades regularly; consider a rain-repellent windshield treatment.
Avoid standing water whenever possible.
Turn on headlights, even in daylight, to increase visibility.
Brake and steer gently because sudden moves raise the risk of skids.
Practice with teen drivers in safe conditions, so they gain confidence in the rain.

And remember: if the rain is heavy and you don’t feel safe, it’s okay to pull over or delay your trip.

What to Do If You Lose Traction in the Rain

Earlier, we talked about hydroplaning, which happens when your tires lose their grip on the road because of water. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here are the steps to take:

Stay calm and steady. Keep both hands on the wheel and focus on staying in control.
Ease off the gas. Gently lift your foot from the accelerator. Braking suddenly can make the skid worse.
Avoid sudden movements. Do not slam the brakes or turn the wheel sharply.
Steer gently. Guide the car in the direction you want to go with slow, controlled movements.
Wait for traction to return. Once the tires reconnect with the road, you can brake and steer more normally.

Staying calm and making small, smooth adjustments will give your car the best chance of regaining control.

Additional Inclement Weather Situations

Curious about other tips for being a safer driver here in Washington? Here are a few other blog posts you might want to check out:

Make sure to peruse the Ladenburg Law blog for dozens more posts related to car safety.

Reach out to a Tacoma Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a rainy-day car collision, please feel free to reach out. The Ladenburg Law team always offers free, no-obligation consultations and only charge a fee if we’re able to win you a settlement. In other words? There’s no risk for you to reach out and see if we can help you.

To get started, call us at 253.272.5226 or fill out the short form on our website.