With spring slowly approaching we all know rain will soon follow. Driving in the rain can be very dangerous. While the windshield wipers are going, it can be hard to see a dangerous situation and slowdown in time.
We have some tips for driving in the rain:
- Stay in the middle lane or the highest lane. Water collects in the lower lanes and will make hydroplaning very easy.
- Try not to follow closely behind large trucks as their bigger tires will splash water and impair your vision.
- If there is heavy rain falling, do your best to find a safe spot and wait to see if it dies down. Heavy rain can result in brief vision loss.
- Make sure your tires and windshield wipers are always in good condition. Your tires are important to help tread water when it rains. It is the contact of your tire on the road that gives you control, groves between treads seem to channel water giving the tread contact with the road.
- Increase your distance from the car in front of you to 6 seconds.
- If you cannot see the ground, do not drive through. Even if you think it’s just a few inches it’s hard to tell.
- Try not to slam on your brakes and just take your foot off the gas to slow down instead if you can. Slowing down even if doing it slowly can cause you to slide,
- If you do find yourself hydroplaning- first, do not brake or accelerate suddenly. Since hydroplaning is a loss of traction to the front tires sudden braking slows the front tires but locks the rear tires which can cause a spin out.
- And lastly, consider not driving out in the rain at all if it seems too bad.
We hope this helps when the rain starts to come. If you are ever in an accident call Kevin Crooks, PLLC.
