Rain
is essential. It helps vegetation
flourish, provides nutrients to soil, and is an overall integral part of life
here on Earth. But when it’s hitting
your windshield and the pitter-patter of raindrops causes you to clench your
teeth, it’s time to take precaution. Rain
can be attributed to thousands of car accidents a year. Accidents can be preventable by drivers who
weather (pun intended) the conditions of the road, using their intuition and
defensive driving skills to stay safe during their commute. When the road is wet, a film is created on
the asphalt, causing your tires to lose traction. Another problem during a downpour is your
perception. You can’t see as far into
the distance as normal, so this decreases visibility of other cars and the road
itself.
In
today’s blog, we discuss some options to driving safely when the roads are wet.
Be
careful when it rains after a dry spell.
Engine and oil grease cake up on asphalt over time. When this is mixed with rainwater, it can
cause the road to be extremely slick.
Allot
more time for your commute. This allows
for a steady drive to your destination.
The last thing you want to do is rush, it also compensates for delays,
flooding, and unexpected accidents.
No
Cruise control! If you go into a
hydroplane, there’s a slight chance your car could accelerate. Reaction time is crucial and you’ll need your
foot close to the pedal at all times.
Turn
on your headlights. This helps you see
the road, and also lets motorists see you.
Blasting your high beams however can prove detrimental. It can obscure your view further, reflecting
water droplets in the air.
Hydroplaning. The first rule to avoiding the dreaded
hydroplane is to avoid braking suddenly or turning the wheel, which can cause
your car to spin or skid off of the road.
According to Edmunds: “Release
the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction. If you
must brake, tap the brake pedal (unless you have antilock brakes, in which case
you can put your foot down).”
Defog
your windows. Rain causes your
windshield to fog up fairly quickly.
Turn on your defrosters and make sure you're A/C is turned on. Most vehicles climate control systems will
automatically engage the A/C when the windshields defrost is selected.
Do
you have any tips for us? Feel free to
provide them below, we love your feedback!
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