By Crystal Childs
DO:
Slow down. It takes much longer to stop when the road and your brakes are wet.
Back off. Remember the 3 Second Rule? Use it – and add a couple more seconds.
Stay away from busses and trucks. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision.
Be alert. Watch for brake lights and traffic jams ahead of you.
Keep your lights on. Even in the slightest rain or fog, your lights should be on. Not only does it help you see the road but it helps other drives to see you.
Replace your wipers. Always make sure your wipers are in good working condition. You don’t want to get stuck in heavy rain with dry, cracked, brittle wipers that will cause poor visibility.
Be a follower. Driving in the tracks of other vehicles can improve traction and help avoid hydroplaning.
Test the water. If you have to drive through a large puddle and you’re not sure how deep it is, creep along slowly. If you find it’s deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around. Water can cause serious damage to your car’s electrical system.
Check your tires. Bald tires reduce your traction on wet roads and increase your risk of hydroplaning.
Heavy rain can make visibility a challenge.
DON’T:
Text or talk on your cell phone. Your phone should never be out while you’re driving, but this is especially true in heavy rain and other bad driving conditions. Any distraction could seriously increase your risk of getting into an accident.
Rely on your “Daytime Running Lights”. These only operate at the front of the vehicle. If you are driving in heavy rain then your rear lights are vital to your safety. If you cannot be seen clearly from behind that increases the chances of being hit by the car following you.
Let other drivers bully you into driving faster. It’s easy to find yourself driving faster because the driver behind you is too close for comfort. If you feel uncomfortable, pull to the side and let the unsafe driver pass you. When the rest of the traffic has passed, return to the road and safely drive to your destination.
WHAT DO I DO IF:
I start to skid? - If you find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This procedure, known as “steering into the skid,” will bring the back end of your car in line with the front. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you “steer into the skid.”
I’m having trouble seeing the road? If visibility and driving conditions are poor, turn on your emergency flashers and get to a safe place – if possible a rest stop or parking lot. If your visibility is compromised, other drivers may be struggling too. In high winds, choose a spot away from trees and power lines that may topple. If the side of the road is the only option, pull off as far as possible and consider finding a safe place to stand behind a guard rail or twice as far from the road as you think is safe.
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