Even with the reduced visibility and traction that comes with wet weather driving, many accidents are preventable. Below we provide some recommendations on how to lessen some of the risks brought about by rainy weather driving.
Rainy Weather Driving Safety
Think.
When conditions are bad, drivers have to be focused on what’s going on around them.
Turn on your headlights. It’s the law to have your headlights on when your windshield wipers are. They should be on when visibility is low.
Beware of hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning occurs when your tires are getting more traction on the layer of water on the road than on the road. Your vehicle will float on the water, like a boat, causing your car to slide uncontrollably. It’s easy to hydroplane. All you need is to be going 35 mph and one-twelfth of an inch of rain on the road. When you start to hydroplane, let off of the accelerator slowly. Do not use your breaks. Steer your vehicle straight until you have control.
Turn off cruise control.
Cruise control may cause you to lose control on wet surfaces. You may feel it’ll help you stay at one steady speed, but if you hydroplane your car will actually go faster while you’re in cruise control.
Slow down. Speed limits are designed for ideal conditions. When it’s raining, that’s hardly the environment you’re driving in. Let up on the accelerator and allow yourself more time to reach your destination.
Back off.
Forget the old rule about keeping a certain number of car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. Focus on staying 3-4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you in dry conditions. Add more time if it’s raining, staying about 5 seconds behind.
More car wrecks happen during wet weather conditions. If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, you need an attorney. Don’t Delay, Call Clay!
