Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain

April showers bring May flowers right? Or is it April showers, bring May flowers, and May flowers bring more June showers? From what they say, this summer is going to be a WET one. One thing I have always hated is driving in the rain, and there is going to be a lot of it. So I started thinking of and researching about some tips on driving safely this summer, and I wanted to share them with you. Check them out:

There’s a few safety features on your car that you can use to make sure that you are doing your best to drive safe while it’s raining
Headlights
I’m always surprised to notice how many cars DON’T have their lights on when it rains. Do they realize how hard it is to see another vehicle thats moving when it’s POURING? Turn on your headlights while driving in the rain – day or night. Many states require it. You’ll see better, and other drivers can see you better too.

Defroster
To clear fogged-up windows, turn on the defroster.

Tire tread
Examine the tread on your tires. Worn tread decreases traction and increases the likelihood of skidding. Test your tread by inserting a penny between the tread upside down: If Lincoln’s head is covered, tire tread depth is good. If Lincoln’s head is uncovered, it’s too low, and the tire should be replaced. Click here for more pro tips on when you should change your tires.

Cruise control
Don’t use cruise control on a wet road, it can misinterpret loss of traction as reducing speed and try to increase acceleration which can be very dangerous.

Windshield wipers and water repellent products
It sounds obvious, but turn on the windshield wipers when it rains. You need a clear view. You can also use rain repellent products on windows to help proactively clear water from the glass. Make sure your wipers are in good condition as well – bad wipers can be worse than not having any wipers at all!

Tips to avoid hydroplaning
Maintain a controlled speed, especially on curves.
Steer and brake lightly; sudden corrections can cause you to lose traction.
Keep tires properly inflated and be sure there’s good tread depth.
If you do start to hydroplane, stay calm, ease off the gas and don’t suddenly apply the brakes or jerk the steering wheel.
Use these techniques for driving in the rain
Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
Eliminate distractions – cell phones, radio, people talking, etc.
Keep six car lengths between you and the car ahead.
Maintain a safe speed. A rule of thumb: Reduce your speed by 10 m.p.h. for each level you increase your windshield wiper speed.
Avoid flooded roads. Deep water can stall your engine and even cause your vehicle to float.
Drive in the middle lanes, since water is usually deeper in the outside lanes.
Drive in the tracks of the vehicles ahead of you.
Be careful around large trucks and buses. Don’t follow too closely; spray from their large tires can hit your windshield and temporarily obscure your vision. Pass with caution, but get around these large vehicles quickly and safely.
Watch for brake lights ahead.
If the visibility is poor, pull off onto the shoulder until it clears.