The old saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers." In addition to the flowers in May, April showers also bring treacherous driving conditions. While most seasoned Rhode Island drivers are likely well prepared to take on the challenges of spring and summer rains, it never hurts to be reminded of the simple, but important things that can be done to prepare your vehicle to take on the wet weather.

One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is to get new windshield wiper blades. It is advisable to change your wiper blades annually or if they have become brittle or torn. Bad wipers are bad news in a rainstorm as they will not keep water off of your windshield and could even distort your view.

Another part of your vehicle you want to inspect is the tires. It is never safe to drive on worn or bald tires, and this is especially true in wet conditions. When you drive on water, it is displaced by your tires. It is best if the water moves between your tire treads.

If you have little or no tread, then the tire will run directly on the water, which can lead to hydroplaning. Once you start to hydroplane, it is much more difficult to safely control your vehicle or come to a quick stop when necessary.

Properly maintaining your car's wiper blades and tires may seem like simple enough things to do in the interest of safety. However, all too often, motorists take to the road in vehicles that are not properly outfitted for driving in rainy conditions. Such negligence can lead to a very serious accident when a driver's visibility is hampered, or he or she cannot control the vehicle when attempting to slow or halt.

Anyone who has been in a rain-related collision may want to contact a car accident attorney. The attorney could investigate the incident to see if the condition of the other driver's car was a factor in the crash. In addition, the attorney could work with insurance companies to maximize your settlement.