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Driving In The Rain
Driving on in the rain can mean
trouble. Visibility is reduced and wet roads become slippery leading
to many crashes. Most wet weather related crashes are preventable.
To help avoid problems, follow these wet weather driving and safety
tips:
 Slow
down. On slippery roads, your car needs three times more space
to stop. Maneuvers that you are accustomed to making on dry pavement
may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. In addition, roads
become particularly slick and dangerous after within the first 20
minutes of rain when rain mixes with oils on the road (from the
asphalt and other autos) creating a slippery oily film.
Turn
on headlights. Use headlights to make yourself more visible
to other drivers. Make sure they are at the 'dim' position so you
don't accidentally blind other drivers. Never drive with just parking
lights on.
Avoid
distractions. Due to reduced visibility and slippery road conditions,
maneuvers you may need to make must be more calculated than in normal
dry weather driving conditions. Therefore, you need to focus as
much of your attention as possible on other drivers and potential
dangers. Turn the radio down, and avoid smoking, using a cell phone,
attending young children or anything else that might take your attention
from the road.
Be
deliberate when maneuvering. Most skidding is caused by sudden
stops or turning. Plan your moves ahead of time.
Hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning is a very dangerous
condition where your vehicle's tire actually "rides" on
top of water. It usually occurs at higher speeds and increased water
levels like driving over a standing pool of water or in a really
hard rain. If a tire can't displace the necessary amount of water
it will begin to ride on top of the water. At that point there is
no traction in any direction and the vehicle will go out of control.
Avoid hydroplaning by driving on tires with good tread and avoiding
standing water and puddles.
Regaining
control. If your vehicle suddenly looses traction and control
is lost, do not slam on the brakes. Rather, apply the brakes lightly
with steady firm pressure. If you begin sliding sideways, steer
in the direction the car is sliding. When traction is regained,
steering control will return. For cars equipped with anti-lock
brakes, drivers should apply heavy steady pressure. Don't pump
the brakes.
Increase
following distance. Maintain a safe distance of six to eight
seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you at highway speeds.
A good rule of thumb is to allow at least one second of distance
for each 10 mph of speed you are traveling.
Avoid
passing. Cloudy weather and rain, reduces visibility and reduces
depth and color perception. That makes judging distances more difficult.
Don't take unnecessary chances. Avoid passing unless absolutely
necessary. When you must pass, be patient and wait until you find
a suitable straight stretch of road with no oncoming traffic.
Use
wipers and defroster as necessary to maintain best vision
Drive
Defensively. Remember, driving in the rain causes many accidents.
Other drivers may suddenly hydroplane and possibly skid into your
path. Always be on the lookout.
Avoid
puddles. Hitting several inches of water at high speeds can
cause a hydroplaning which could result in a crash. In addition,
driving fast through puddles may push or splash water into the engine
and cause it to stall.
Monitor
weather conditions. Before you drive, check local forecasts
and postpone your trip when heavy rains are predicted.
Wet
brakes. Driving through puddles or heavy rain can splash water
onto your vehicle's brakes dramatically reducing your ability to
stop. After driving through a puddle, check that brakes are working
properly by tapping them gently a few times.
Plan
your route. Many accidents occur at busy intersections. Avoid
crossing traffic if possible.
Use
your ears. Due to reduced visibility, it is helpful to roll
the side window down a just a crack and listen for traffic you cannot
see.
Never
drive while fatigued. Stop frequently for snacks, fuel, or just
to take a rest. Also, never drive while emotionally charged.
Watch
for animals, particularly in rural areas. Many animals become
restless in rainy conditions and move around.
Avoid
stopping on any freeway or other heavily traveled road unless
absolutely necessary. If possible, pull into a low-use parking lot
or side street. In high traffic areas, turn on flashers immediately
to warn other vehicles and set up flares or reflecting triangles
300 feet behind your vehicle.
Prepare
car for safe wet weather driving. Periodically inspect your
wiperblades and replace if necessary. Also, make sure all lights
are working properly. Perform this quick test every two weeks; turn
on your vehicle's lights and walk around vehicle, check headlights,
taillights and turn signals to ensure they work properly. Make sure
headlights are properly aligned and clean.
Prepare
for trouble. Problems always seem to occur when least expected.
Planning ahead can minimize stress, prevent a catastrophe and possibly
save lives. Plan ahead by carrying a road emergency kit, including
flares, a first aid kit, jumper cables, a fire extinguisher, and
high energy snacks in case you become stranded. A cell phone is
also a great investment.
For more driving tips, see 'Related
Topics' on side bar above
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