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Wet Weather Driving Tips
10 Crucial Things To Know Before You Start Driving In The Rain
Wet road conditions are accountable for a lot of accidents, and it is vital that all road users take extra precautionary measures when driving in wet weather. Changing one's driving behavior under these circumstances could not only avoid the trauma of a vehicle accident but, could, in fact, save lives.
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Here are some safety tips you'll want to follow the next time you're caught driving in the rain:
Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning to occur, which is when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas.
Wait Until The Weather Improves If Possible
If you feel uncomfortable driving in the rain and can postpone your trip or commute, wait until the weather improves before driving. There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary.
Double Check Your Car's Equipment
Make sure that your car's equipment is in working order before encountering rainy weather. Check your headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers to ensure that they will work efficiently when needed. Also, check the tread of your vehicle's tires. Balding tires can severely
Slow Down
Not only should you adhere to the speed limit when driving in wet weather conditions, but you should also drive considerably slower than you normally would. Wet roads are very dangerous, as your vehicle's reaction time is much slower when it's raining. Reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather.
Turn On Your Headlights
We recommend turning on your vehicle's headlights when it is raining. Even if it's only misting, turning on your vehicle's headlight will increase both your own visibility and other drivers' ability to see your car on the road.
Use Your Windshield Wipers
While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most car windshield wipers' speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or in a heavy downpour. There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the glass and claim to defer the collection of water.
Maintain A Safe Distance Between Cars
Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain. Maintain a distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles.
Avoid Heavy Braking
Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don't use cruise control so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune.
Watch Out For Standing Water
Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning to occur, which is when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas.
Let Off The Gas When Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes.
Ventilate Your Car
Rain causes humidity levels to increase. You may find that your vehicle's windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. Most cars' ventilation systems include a function that will work to reduce this type of fog that develops on the interior of your windows and windshield. It may be necessary to pull over if you are no longer able to see through your windows.
Other Tips & Guides For Safer Driving
Heavy rainfall and strong winds can cause damage not only to your home, but your car too. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare your vehicle for the hurricane season.
Never let a kid ride unbuckled! Keeping children safe on the road means putting them in the right safety restraint at the right age.
Ensure that you get your vehicle's tint levels tested at a reputable tint shop, in compliance with the new regulations on vehicle tint effective on June 6th, 2021.