Tips on Driving Safely in the Rain

Tips on Driving Safely in the Rain

Everyone has had the chance to experience driving in the rain. However, there are some who have been more fortunate to not experience driving in heavy rain, wind, or even hail. Being caught in the rain while driving is definitely not fun. Unfortunately, there are conditions that arise when it begins to rain that causes many drivers to be affected negatively. Although everyone would prefer to stay in when it is raining outside, we don’t always have that option.

Take Your Time

Try your best to drive the speed limit or under when you are driving in the rain. The best way to keep yourself from getting into an accident during rainy weather is to drive slow. Of course no one wants to be the slow car in the lane nor do they want to be the one to drive with their hazards on. However, these may be the things that prevent you from getting into a life threatening accident. Contrary to belief, the most dangerous times to drive is right after it begins to rain because that is when the roads are their slickest due to oils on the roadway, and if you get caught on it or are about to go somewhere, try slowing down or waiting a while before leaving. No driver wants to risk their car sliding all over the place in the rain.

Slowing down is also a good way to keep yourself from hydroplaning which is when your vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on a wet surface of the road. One would like to think you will always have control as a driver but the truth is when you hydroplane you completely lose all control and it takes a great deal of skill to avoid having an accident.  What exactly happens when your car hydroplanes? Essentially what happens is your vehicle is on top of water instead of the pavement; that is because the water is building up in front of your tires much more quickly than your car can push through it, causing it to lift slightly and your steering and control of the car to become limited.

Make Yourself Visible

Although you may be able to see the road perfectly, having your lights on during the rainy weather is a great way to make your vehicle more noticeable to other drivers, both in front of and behind you. It also makes you visible to the pedestrians who are also caught in the same harsh weather. In certain states it is the law to have your lights on while it is raining so either way you want to be careful when driving during inclement weather.

Don’t Tailgate

Clearly tailgating is never a good idea, not only is it rude but it also can cause others drivers to become nervous or rushed. During rainy condition this is likely to cause an accident. In these conditions it can take up to three times the distance to come to a full stop in your vehicle, and if you’re tailgating someone and they have to brake suddenly, you’re likely going to hit them right in the back before you even realize what happened.

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