Rain comes fast in Louisiana, and it often comes all year long. When the roads get wet, they can turn slippery in just a few minutes. This is one of the biggest reasons for car wrecks in Baton Rouge and nearby towns like Gonzales, Prairieville, St. Gabriel, Brusly, and Port Allen. It is important to have an attorney available 24/7 so you are not left out in the rain, cold and in pain.
What Makes Louisiana Roads So Slippery?
Wet roads form fast in Louisiana for several reasons. Louisiana gets more than 60 inches of rain each year. Even light rain can make pavement slippery because water lifts oil and dirt. Many areas in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, and Prairieville drain poorly, so puddles form easily.
Warm, humid air keeps roads damp long after the rain ends. Busy highways like I-10, I-12, and I-110 get slick as traffic moves over wet pavement. Rural roads in St. Gabriel, Brusly, and Port Allen also turn slippery when water pools on narrow lanes.
These conditions make some routes risky during and after rain. Drivers often struggle on I-10, I-12, and I-110 in Baton Rouge. Airline Highway (US-61) and Florida Boulevard (US-190) also become slick quickly. Roads like LA-30, LA-1, LA-44, and LA-73 in nearby towns collect water fast.
Bridges and overpasses are even more dangerous because they cool faster. They stay wet longer and offer less traction.
Related: Watch Out For Black Ice on Bridges
When the road is wet, cars cannot stop as quickly. This causes rear-end crashes, T-bone wrecks, and run-off-the-road accidents. Hydroplaning can happen at speeds as low as 35 miles per hour. Wet-weather driving remains one of the largest safety challenges for Louisiana drivers.
How to Stay Safe on Slick Louisiana Roads
When the rain starts in Louisiana, the roads can become slippery in minutes. The best first step is to slow down. Lower speed gives your tires more time to grip the pavement and gives you more time to react if traffic suddenly stops, especially on busy routes like I-10, I-12, and I-110.
It also helps to leave extra space between your car and the one in front of you. Wet pavement increases stopping distance, and a little extra room can prevent a rear-end crash. This is important not only in Baton Rouge traffic but also on narrow roads in Gonzales, Prairieville, St. Gabriel, Brusly, and Port Allen where there is less room to correct a skid.
Related: Lousiana Car Safety Checklist
Drivers should avoid cruise control on wet highways. Cruise control keeps the car moving at a steady pace, but your wheels need flexibility to slow down when they hit standing water. Turning it off allows you to respond faster and reduces the chance of hydroplaning.
Your tires also play a big role in safety. Make sure they have good tread and are properly inflated. Worn tires cannot push water away, which increases your risk of sliding. Regular checks can make a big difference during Louisiana’s sudden showers.
Finally, brake gently and steer smoothly. Hard braking or sharp turns can cause your tires to lose grip on wet pavement. Smooth, steady movements help the car stay stable even when the roads are slick.
Wet roads are part of everyday life in Louisiana, but careful driving can reduce the risk of crashes throughout Baton Rouge, Oak Hills Place, Gonzales, Prairieville, St. Gabriel, Gardere, and Port Allen. Small choices behind the wheel can make a big difference when the weather turns.
If you or someone you love is hurt in a car wreck, Call Corzo at (225) 351-0459 because help, respect, and justice are only one call away winter, spring, summer, and fall.