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When bad weather hits and tempers run high, many drivers insist their accidents “weren’t their fault.” But in most cases, speeding, distracted driving and poor judgment — not rain or puddles — are to blame. Insurance agents hear these stories every day, and the excuses rarely hold up.
Below are common scenarios drivers use to deflect blame, and the real reasons these accidents happen.
The Myth of the “Not-My-Fault” Accident
On a stormy morning, calls about car accidents tend to pour into insurance offices. Drivers often minimize the incident or immediately insist they weren’t responsible. But poor visibility, wet shoes or running late don’t magically shift fault elsewhere.
Backing Into Your Own Mailbox
One driver blamed rain-covered mirrors and windows for backing over his mailbox. While weather can make driving harder, backing into a fixed object is almost always a solo at-fault accident. Reduced visibility doesn’t relieve responsibility — it means slowing down and being more cautious.
Rear-Ending Someone Because of Wet Shoes
Another driver claimed her foot slipped off the brake because she had stepped in a puddle. Rear-end collisions nearly always point to driver error. Wet shoes don’t change the fact that maintaining control of your vehicle is your responsibility, rain or shine.
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Speeding to “Make Up Time” in Bad Weather
A frustrated commuter insisted he had to speed because rain caused traffic delays and he couldn’t be late. In reality, speeding in poor weather is even more dangerous — wet roads reduce stopping distance and reaction time. Choosing to drive faster is just that: a choice, and an at-fault one.
Distracted Driving From a Phone Message
A parent of four said she never checks her phone while driving … except this one time, when she assumed her husband’s text was urgent. Looking down for even a few seconds is all it takes. Distracted driving means anything that diverts your attention from the road — and it’s one of the leading causes of preventable crashes.
Understanding Distracted and Negligent Driving
Drivers often believe their circumstances excuse the behavior — the weather, the kids, the schedule, the shoes. But insurance companies and traffic laws see it differently. If your attention is anywhere but the road, you’re driving distracted. If you’re speeding, even slightly, you’re increasing your risk. Neither is ever the fault of the rain, your footwear or your text messages.
Drive safe.
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