Driving in the rain increases the risk of accident please consider these few tips
Driving in the rain
GET YOUR CAR READY FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER: See our blog post on getting your car ready for inclement weather.
REDUCE YOUR VEHICLE SPEED: Reducing your speed can have a significant impact on your control of the vehicle. We recommend driving under the speed limit, using slow and steady maneuvers, and avoid any sudden stops, starts, or turns.
INCREASE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND OTHER CARS: Increasing the driving distance between you and the vehicle in front of you can help you avoid collisions. Should you need to make any sudden maneuvers, the extra distance should provide you with the space to do so.
AVOID STANDING WATER: When driving in wet or rainy conditions, avoid standing water at all costs. It is often difficult to tell just how deep the water is, and standing water greatly increases your risk of hydroplaning. If you cannot avoid driving through standing water, go as slow as possible to reduce your risk of hydroplaning.
USE YOUR HEADLIGHTS: Rain can obstruct yours and other driver’s line of sight, making use of the headlights not only help you see, it helps other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians see you. Be sure not to use your high beams in the rain, as they can scatter light and actually reduce visibility. A good rule of thumb is; turn on your headlights if you are using your windshield wipers.
USE WELL-MAINTAINED WINDSHIELD WIPERS: Visibility is fundamental to safe driving. Wiper blades help clear away rain, sleet and snow, but many drivers wait to replace them until they need them the most. Windshield wipers should be maintained and replaced regularly so they are ready for use when needed. When wiper blades no longer make proper contact with the windshield surface, they can begin to squeak, chatter, skip, smear or streak reducing driving visibility. Be sure to look out for these signs to know when to replace your wiper blades.
AVOID USING CRUISE CONTROL: A common mistake is using the cruise control to maintain a steady speed, however if you hydroplane your vehicle will increase speed and potentially cause lose of control.
AVOID DRIVING IN SEVERE WEATHER: If the wet weather becomes severe, it is best to avoid travel if possible.