Driving In The Rain
What can you do to make driving in the rain safer?
• First of all – slow down. It is going to take you longer to stop when the roads are wet. That means you should also keep your distance from the car in front of you – more distance than normal and keep an eye out for brake lights in front of you. Be extra careful with large trucks or buses. They can create a spray from their large tires which will reduce your vision. If you pass them, do it quickly and safely.
• Since water pools on the side of the road, drive toward the middle lanes. If you are driving through a puddle and unsure of how deep it is, go slow. If it is deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around. You could damage the electrical system of your car. You also run the risk of your car being swept off the road if there is too much water. Once you pass through deep water, check your brakes ~ drive slow and brake lightly.
• If you need to slow down it’s best to take your foot off the accelerator rather than use your brakes. If you brake, brake with a light touch. Slow down before entering a curve. If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
• Drive with your headlights on. Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. When you cannot see the road or other cars at a safe distance then pull over and wait for the rain to subside.
• In a thunderstorm, not only can high winds and heavy rain create a hazard, but flashes of lightning can be temporarily blinding to a driver. It is better not to drive during a storm.
• In heavy rain windshield wipers can distort your view if they are in bad condition. Replace your wipers regularly.
By: CINDA SEAMON