Drivers in the state of Tennessee need to know the use of headlights when it’s raining is the law. A person is also required to have a minimum of one working headlight on each side of their vehicle at all times. It is also necessary for the headlights to be of a quality that is approved by their motor vehicle’s manufacturer. The lights on a vehicle are not permitted to dazzle or blind pedestrians or other drivers. Tennessee requires the vehicle’s owner to install anti-glare devices that have been approved by the state with lights that can blind or dazzle.
Driving in Rain
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 45 percent of vehicle crashes that are classified as weather related occur when it rains. Too many times drivers don’t respect how hazardous it is to operate a vehicle in the rain. When it begins raining, and road surfaces become wet, the chances of being in an accident are even greater than during snowy conditions.
The Law
It’s against the law in Tennessee to operate a vehicle without the headlights being on during times of rain, mist or any other types of precipitation including snow. This law also applies to any situation that makes the continuous use of windshield wipers necessary. Should a driver fail to use headlights when it is raining or during other types of weather precipitation, they’ve committed a Class C misdemeanor in Tennessee.
Driving In The Rain
It’s important when people drive in the rain to be aware of the stopping distance for their vehicle. It is twice as long as when driving on a dry road surface. This means it is important for a driver to increase the distance between them and the vehicle in front of them when it’s raining. Safety legal professionals recommend that when it is raining drivers stay approximately four or more seconds behind the vehicle in front of them. This should give a driver enough time to stop suddenly, if necessary, as well as avoid being part of a car accident and more.
Large Vehicles
It’s also important that drivers are aware of any large vehicles trying to pass them during a rain storm. A larger vehicle passing them will create more water spray on their windshield. A driver should be ready to increase the speed of their windshield wipers when this happens.
Aggressive Drivers
Avoid drivers who come too close or are being too aggressive during a rain storm. A person should be willing to pull over if necessary and let the aggressive driver go ahead. This is a good way to avoid a potential accident.
Hydroplaning
A major cause of vehicle accidents during rain storms is hydroplaning. This is a term used to describe a vehicle’s tires being more in touch with the water on the road than the actual road surface. This will cause a vehicle to slide. A driver won’t be able to control their vehicle. Professionals estimate this can occur with as little as one-twelfth of an inch of rain on a driving surface with a vehicle moving over 34 miles an hour or more. When a person starts to hydroplane, they need to slowly take their foot off the accelerator. The next thing is to carefully steer the vehicle until control of it is once again reestablished.
