It’s raining, it’s pouring, and you’re stuck in traffic. You may be tempted to just put the pedal to the metal and get where you’re going as quickly as possible, but that would be a mistake. Driving in the rain can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to drive safely in the rain.
Drive Slowly.
Use Low Beams:
It’s important to use your low beams when driving in the rain, as it will help you see the road better. High beams reflect off of the water on the road,best driving school durham region making it harder to see.
Leave Room Between Cars
Following too closely behind another car is never a good idea, but it’s especially dangerous in wet weather. It takes longer to stop in the rain, so you’ll want to leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.
Don’t Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control on a wet road can be extremely dangerous, as it can cause your car to lose traction and spin out of control. If you must use cruise control, be sure to turn it off as soon as the roads start getting wet.
Increase Following Distance.
Here are some tips:
1. Use hands-free devices to stay productive.
If you’ve got a long commute, take advantage of hands-free devices to stay productive. Whether it’s listening to audio books or podcasts, or dictating emails or text messages, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged without taking your hands off the wheel.
2. Carpool or ride share when possible.
Carpooling or riding sharing is a great way to make the most of your time while stuck in traffic. Not only will you save money on gas, but you’ll also be able to use that time to catch up with friends or family, or even just relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.
3. Plan your route ahead of time.
One of the best ways to avoid getting stuck in traffic is to plan your route ahead of time.
Use wipers and defrosters
When driving in the rain, it is important to use your windshield wipers and keep your windows clear. Your wipers should be able to clear your entire windshield with each pass. If you can’t see through your windshield, pull over and stop until you can.
Your car’s defrosters are also key in keeping your visibility high while driving in the rain. Make sure they are turned on and set to the correct setting so that they can quickly clear any condensation or fog from your windshield.
Be extra cautious of pedestrians and bicyclists
Another thing to be aware of when driving in the rain is that pedestrians and bicyclists may have a harder time seeing you. They may also be more difficult to see if they are wearing dark clothing. Be extra cautious when driving near them,and give them plenty of space if you do pass them.
Be Aware of hydroplaning.
Avoid puddles if possible
Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road and ride on top of a film of water. This can happen when you’re driving over 30 mph and there’s at least an 1/8-inch layer of water on the road.
If you can, avoid puddles when it’s raining. If you can’t avoid them, slow down before you reach them so that you don’t splash water up onto your windshield or into the engine compartment.
Don’t brake or turn suddenly
If you start to hydroplane, ease your foot off the gas and don’t brake or turn suddenly. You want to maintain as much control of your car as possible. Easing off the gas will help reduce your speed and turning could cause you to lose control completely. If you have to brake, do it gently with steady pressure.
Conclusion:
As we’ve seen, driving in the rain can be dangerous if you’re not careful. By following the tips we’ve outlined above, you can help to ensure a safe journey for yourself and other road users. So the next time it rains, remember to drive slowly, increase your following distance, hydroplaning. And most importantly, stay safe out there!