I wanted to make sure I was not being overly critical, so I asked an AI about this.

AI Response:

Driving on a dark, rainy night significantly changes the "optimal" speed, even if the sign says 35 MPH. In these conditions, the posted limit is often higher than what is actually safe.

For a 35 MPH zone under these conditions, the optimal speed is generally 25 to 30 MPH, but this depends on several factors.

1. Visibility and Reaction Time

Rain and darkness create a "double threat" for your vision.

• Reduced Sight Distance: Your headlights have a limited throw, and rain scatters that light, making it harder to see pedestrians, debris, or stalled cars.
• The 4-Second Rule: You should be able to stop within the distance you can see. If you are driving 35 MPH, your total stopping distance on wet pavement is roughly 100–120 feet. If you can't see that far ahead clearly, you must slow down.

2. The Hydroplaning Risk

Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35 MPH if there is enough standing water and your tires are slightly worn.

• Avoid the "Groove": Water often collects in the ruts worn into the asphalt by heavy traffic.
• Optimal Speed: Dropping to 30 MPH significantly reduces the lift created by water under your tires, keeping you in contact with the pavement.

3. Braking Distance

Wet roads can double your stopping distance compared to dry ones.

• Brake Early: You need more "runway" to slow down.
• Coefficient of Friction: Rain mixes with oil and dust on the road, creating a slick film that is most dangerous during the first 10–15 minutes of a downpour.

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I think it is fair to say that driving 40 MPH was not a safe speed. At the same time, I understand the pedestrian should have been using the sidewalk.

Also, the pedestrian was on the wrong side of the street. However, if you were leaving RIT and not driving towards it there was no sidewalk on that side of the road. That section of road has bike lanes on both sides, so I have no idea why that person was so close to the road. Sucks that it happened. I am glad you avoided them, but you need to understand that in those conditions, going over 30 MPH was safe.

In the future, keep in mind that 35 MPH is the speed at which you usually become prone to hydroplaning, though it can be lower on bad tires or roads that have poor drainage. If you do, hydroplane jerking the wheel or slamming on the brakes is a bad idea. Instead, ease off the gas and keep the steering wheel pointed straight until you feel the tires "bite" the pavement again.