Slick roads, even during a light rainfall, present a more serious hazard than many drivers consider. Outside of preparing your vehicle ahead of a storm, the most important thing you can do is slow down during slick road conditions. Drive defensively, and practice these five tips to stay safe while driving in the rain.
Prep Your Vehicle Before the Storm
Prepare your vehicle ahead of time to safely operate in the rain. Keep an eye on your tires in particular. Tires that don’t have enough air are more likely to skid or hydroplane. Make sure they’re properly inflated, and replace them once the tread becomes unsafely worn. Also, check and replace your windshield wipers as needed. Finally, confirm that your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and blinkers work correctly. Your friends at Titus-Will Toyota’s Service Center can help you make sure that all of these items are in good order and ready for all weather conditions.
Turn off Cruise Control
It’s risky to drive with the cruise control engaged in the rain. This is because you’ll have to tap on the brakes to slow down when the cruise control is on, which increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. Turn off the cruise control when it rains so you can slow down by easing off the accelerator. This will also give you greater control over when and how quickly you accelerate.
Drive Defensively
To drive safely in the rain, you need to be extra aware of the other drivers and roadway conditions around you. Drive slower than you normally would, and give the car in front of you more space — 3-4 seconds of distance minimum — so you can avoid having to slam on the brakes in the event of an unexpected stop or obstacle. Turn on your headlights whenever you have to use your windshield wipers. Give yourself enough time to make slow, wide turns as well.
Slowing down will also decrease your chances of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a thin layer of water separates the tires from the road. The tires lose traction when this happens, which means you can’t steer or brake correctly. This is a risk even in light rain. Hydroplaning is most dangerous within the first 10 minutes of a light rain and for drivers traveling at speeds above 35 miles per hour.
Learn How to Handle Your Car in the Rain
Learn how to respond to a hydroplane or skid so you can safely navigate the problem if you ever do experience it. If you ever lose traction because of the rain, follow these steps:
- Ease off the gas: This transfers weight to the front of the vehicle and may help the tires regain traction.
- Slowly and lightly press down on the brakes: Again, lightly pressing the brakes will transfer weight to the front tires. Don’t slam on the brakes.
- Keep the steering wheel straight: Keep looking and steering in the direction you want to go when you regain control of the vehicle. Don’t turn into the skid, and don’t turn the wheel if your car starts to hydroplane.
Driving in the rain can be scary, but if you slow down and follow the tips above, you can stay safe on the road. Remember to prep your vehicle now to avoid dangerous situations when the rain starts to fall.
“Taillights” via Flickr by Jochen Spieker. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original
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