Driving Tips: How to Drive Safely in the Rain?

When torrential downpour occurs, walking and singing in the rain is more fun, but when it comes to driving, you have to think it twice. When the condition is less than ideal, motorist should be alert and focused because driving in heavy rain can be tricky and even dangerous. As a matter of fact, according to the US Department of Transportation, there are more than 550,000 vehicles crashes and more than 220,000 injured and around 2,000 killed each year due to downpour and casualties increases when the pavement is wet. This statistic reflects a sobering truth but people can avoid this situation if precautions apply thus, here are useful driving tips that allow you to handle any storm.

 

Check the Tire

The likelihood of a crash will lessen if you check your tire tread. Dig out a quarter and insert it into the tread, if Washington’s head covered by the thread most likely your tire is safe. But if the top of Washington’s head exposed, chances are you’ve got 2/32 of an inch of tread remains and it is unsafe and not advisable to drive on wet pavement.

 

Check the Windshield Wipers

Pouring rain can cause dramatic declines in visibility thus, be sure to check your windshield wipers before you drive or observed for wiper motor failure regularly for a safe journey.

Technically, windshield wipers play an important role during rainy days, turn it on to improve driving visibility in the rain, adjust its speed depending on the weather’s condition.

 

Turn On Your Headlights

Don’t forget to check your headlights, brakes, and tail lights, make sure that it is properly working. When visibility is low, turn on your headlights to makes it easier for you to see, and easier for others on the road to notice you.

 

Avoid Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is a technical term that refers to the skidding or sliding of the tires of a car across a wet surface. To avoid this scenario try driving in a lower gear or not to make sharp or quick turns. Also, stay away from driving in outer lanes where water tends to accumulate and refrain hard braking. If this situation occurs, let off the accelerator gradually and steer straight until you regain control.

 

Limit Your Speed

Inclement weather requires you to drive slower than you used to be, driving too fast for wet conditions is very dangerous because your tires lose traction with the precipitation. To prevent accident reduced your speed and give more time to get to your destination.

 

Back Off

The rule of thumb in driving during the normal season is to stay away about 2 second’s behinds the car in front of you. But you should increase it up to 4 or 5 seconds away when raining, this way you can easily adjust in case of emergency or in case the vehicle ahead of you stops suddenly.

 

Lastly, Pull Over

Pull over is the last recourse if you can’t see the roads or the car ahead of you. Turn on your signal light, check other vehicles behind and slowly pull over when you don’t simply feel safe driving in the rain.

 

It depends on how severe the storm is, wet pavement and pouring rain is a problem not only just for motorist but cyclist or even bystander as well. Hence, stay in focus, be extra cautious and frequently maintain your vehicle. Need help for car parts and maintenance? We’re here to help you call us at 718-297-9797 for a prompt response.