Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain this Weekend

Rain in the Weekend Weather Forecast

Most drivers report driving in the rain as an anxiety-filled experience. There are approximately 710,000 motor vehicle crashes due to rain resulting in approximately 330,000 injuries. Wet roadways unfortunately usually result in increased motor vehicle crashes. Take preventative steps to keep you and your family safe while driving this weekend.

After the rain we have received thus far, many ditches and streets are drenched and there is often standing water.

Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain from Driving Specialist

Driving in the rain does not have to be a nightmare, though it may make you more anxious. You should have a heighten-awareness in rainy conditions which means, you should be extra alert.A supervising driving instructor from D&D Driving School gives the following suggestions:

THINK

This may sound obvious, but many people drive subconsciously and “out of habit” and when it rains we often do not change our mindset. When conditions are not ideal, drivers need to stay alert and focus on what is going on around them at all times

Turn On the Headlights

It’s the law to turn on your headlights when visibility is low, plus it is just good sense. Many states requires headlights if you are using your windshield wipers. Properly working windshield wipers and relatively new tires (not threadbare) are essential in driving in the rain.

Beware of Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is the technical term for what occurs when your tires get more traction on the layer of water on the road than the road itself. The result can lead to uncontrollability. All you need is one-twelfth of an inch of rain on the road and a speed of more than 35 miles per hour in order to hydroplane–pretty easy. If you start to hydroplane, let off the accelerator slowly and steer straight until you regain control.

Turn Off Cruise Control

On rain slick roads, cruise control can actually contribute to a loss of control by the driver. You might think that it would help you maintain a steady speed, but if you hydroplane while on cruise control, you car can actually go faster.

Increase Your Following Distance

Increase the distance between your car and the car in front of you. This allows more time for you to react when visibility is decreased and the road surface is more treacherous.

Slow Down

Speed limits are set and designed for ideal conditions. Rain decreases visibility plus worsens the traction of your vehicle, thus slowing down will greatly increase your ability to drive safely.

Be Patient and Slow Down

It seems that at the end of most of my articles about driving conditions and motor vehicles, I give the same advice–“Slow down, be patient and be alert”. There is a reason for that common advice–it applies to all kinds of situations including heavy traffic, snow, ice and rain. Plan your travels for the weekend with safety in mind. Adherence to slowing down and being alert help reduce crashes. If you are injured in a motor vehicle crash, you should contact an expert car accident attorney as soon as possible.

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