How many drivers crashed during rainy weather in Massachusetts?

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – There were more than 27,000 crashes in Massachusetts in the past three years during rainy weather, according to AAA.

It has been a pretty wet March so far in western Massachusetts and there is more rain on the way into Thursday with up to around an inch of rain. March sees an average of 5.35 inches of rain and April has an average of 3.7 inches.

AAA states that more than 2,600 people died in 2021 during a vehicle crash attributed to rainy conditions across the country. In Massachusetts, 63 people were killed in more than 27,000 crashes between 2021 and 2023 during rainy weather, according to a AAA analysis of state crash data.

“A wet road is a treacherous road, even after a gentle sprinkle,” said Mark Schieldrop, Senior Spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “As little as one-twelfth of an inch of water can cause new tires to lose traction with the road at speeds as low as 35 mph. When it rains, slow down and give yourself extra room to stop.”

Before you drive during wet weather, read the following tips from AAA for drivers in the rain:

Remember that tires are the most important safety equipment. Compared to new tires, worn out tires require an additional 87 feet to stop from 60 mph on wet roads – the length of a semi-truck, according to AAA research. When the new tires have already stopped, the worn tires are still traveling at 40 mph. Check your tires and replace them if the tread depth is below 4/32”. Check tread depth with a quarter inserted upside down into the tire groove. If you can see above Washington’s head, it’s time to start shopping for new tires. To keep your tires in good condition, check tire pressure regularly and keep them properly inflated using the recommended pressure listed on the decal on the driver’s doorsill.

Improve visibility and stay visible . Wet roads aren’t the only danger when it rains. Rainfall reduces visibility, too. Replace streaking, chattering and worn-out wiper blades in the spring. Clean the windshield with a solution that’s safe for automotive finishes and seals, and don’t forget to clean the inside of the windshield with a car-safe glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. Spring is also a good time to wash winter grit and grime from the exterior of a vehicle, which creates an opportunity to check the condition of headlights and lenses. Aging headlight plastics can yellow and discolor over time: products are available to refinish and reseal them.

Don’t rely on safety technology in the rain . Modern advanced driver assistance technologies can trigger false positives or simply stop working in the rain. AAA research on lane keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking systems found that both systems were impacted by moderate to heavy rainfall. Test vehicles traveling at 35 mph collided with a stopped vehicle in the lane ahead one-third of the time. Lane keeping assistance struggled even more, with test vehicles departing their lanes 69 percent of the time. Cruise control should also be avoided on wet roads. To prevent loss of traction, the driver may need to reduce the car’s speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be accomplished when cruise control is engaged.

Slow down . Slowing down during wet weather reduces the risk of hydroplaning, when the tires ride on a film of water. Even with new tires, stopping distance increases and maneuverability decreases on wet pavement. Driving slower and increasing following distances is essential to avoid causing a crash.

Weather News

Dry and breezy weather for Easter weekend

Above average temperatures on the way for April

How many drivers crashed during rainy weather in Massachusetts?

Lecture held at UMass Amherst in preparation for April’s eclipse

22News began broadcasting in March 1953 providing local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Follow WWLP-22News on X @WWLP22News and Facebook .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.