Driving in the rain could be disrupting for some people, especially when rain showers affect their visibility.
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According to the US Department of Transportation, there are over 950,000 crashes across the country owing to wet pavement. This figure results in 4,700 deaths and 384,000 injuries.
However, do not be discouraged by the negative impact that rainy days have on driving. Always remember that good drivers apply defensive driving tactics to stay safe while on the road.
Since you cannot stop the rain from falling, be cautious prior to hitting the road by working on your visibility and let other drivers spot you while on the road.
Whether you need more practice to drive on harsh weather conditions, follow these wet driving tips to protect yourself and the safety of other drivers you share the road with.
Do not rely on cruise control
Nowadays, modern vehicles feature cruise controls. This feature works well in dry conditions, but it does not perform effectively when driving along wet roads. Chances of losing control of the vehicle are high.
One way to reduce traction is to reduce the car speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be handled when cruise control is engaged.
Under rainy conditions, you must be 100% concentrated on what’s going around you without disregarding your driving.
Avoiding cruise control helps you handle the vehicle in ways that are safer. For example, you could respond better to a potential loss-of-traction scenario, which is good for your safety.
SEE ALSO: How To Keep A Clean Driving Record For Car Insurance Savings
Drive cautiously
A basic rule for driving in wet roads is to slow down and be cautious. It’s also safe for your vehicle as it reduces the risk of hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning is when the tires rise up on a film of water, affecting the rubber of your tires when meeting the road.
The best thing you could do is to reduce your speed to a safe level that correspond to the amount of water on the road. Apart from slowing down, avoid hard braking or making sharp turns in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you.
Keep your distance from other vehicles to give them enough time to react to unexpected situations.
Control a skidding car
It’s a fact the most experienced drivers also skid, and wet roads increases the risk of skidding. But the worst thing you could do is panicking.
Stay focused on the road and steer in the direction in which the driver wants the car to go. Maintain control and do not press hard on the brakes as that could reduce the balance of your vehicle.
Following those tips one step at a time helps you drive to your destination safely.
4 comments
oh! nice post . very vey usefull them.
Thank you, Athar. Drivers should be prepared to drive safely since the weather could play against us at times. Sharing valuable and useful content is what eTags does to raise driving and safety awareness.
Recently, my windshield wipers stopped working in the rain. It was very scary as I could not seem to be able to pull over with so much traffic. Tell me, what should I do in that situation?
Hello Carly. If your windshield wipers don’t work then your car is not fit to drive. You’ll need to have them repaired otherwise you could even get a bad fine if a police officer stops you.