Did you know that half of the vehicle deaths occur due to heavy downpour, a report published by National Weather Service?
Rains accompanied by wet roads are what annoys the driver the most. Driving in rains becomes a safety concern and halts the smooth working of the car. During these times, drivers adopt the approach of slowing down their speeds. Besides this, there are other techniques that the motorists must know that keep them safe no matter how bad the weather conditions become. We have come up with the complete list of driving precautions in the rainy season that you must follow to keep everyone safe:
Drive a Clean Car in Good Condition
You experience loss of sight during wet weather conditions; ensure that this isn’t happening because of the car you’re driving. Take up this task of cleaning the internal and external region of windshield & windows once in every month. Don’t forget to look at the levels of washer fluid one day a week. Don’t forget this crucial rainy day driving tip every morning look at the headlights, taillights, turn lights, and tire dreads before commencing your driving.
Drive Slowly
Give at least five seconds while keeping a distance between the car in front and your car. Don’t get pressurized by the speed limit mentioned on the highway, as that is only followed when the road conditions are perfect. If other drivers don’t like driving at slow speeds, they can surpass you. Avoid applying cruise control as the roads become wet, and applying hydroplaning under cruise control makes you lose control of your car as it gains traction.
Switch the Lights on Don’t Keep them Too Bright
Modern vehicles have automatic headlights, but you have to turn the actual headlights on while using the windshield wipers so that the taillights turn on as well. The primary reason for turning the headlights on is that it gives other drivers a chance to see you on the road. An important rain driving trip is when the headlights and backlights illuminate; make sure that the four corners of the car are checked.
Know the Roads
Roads are built to handle the weather conditions in different corners of the city. You won’t find Asphalt as compressed as it must be on certain roads. You’re stuck in the water present on the road, thereby making the tires wet and slick you don’t have any idea about it. It’s better to change the route in such cases and take a freeway instead.
Avoid Going too Deep
Sometimes the water covers the markings on the road, which involves deep driving. At times the water of 3 inches present on the road makes you lose control while driving. A large vehicle might push water beneath your car resulting in engine stalling. Don’t go too deep and take necessary driving precautions during the rainy season.
Apply Steer In the Direction You Want to Move
Sometimes you go so fast that you end up hydroplaning. It’s better to turn the wheels in a direction where you want to go and don’t be scared if you were unable to steer out the skid in the first go.3 to 5 adjustments can help you get back on the track.
Apply the Brakes Effortlessly
Traction is something every driver requires while driving on a watery road. The same is true while the brakes are applied harder than usual. It is perilous to make a sudden movement, especially on wet roads, as it minimizes the vehicle’s reaction time. Car parts and accessories store experts recommend you take off your feet from the accelerator and apply the brakes easily. Keeping the foot on the brake pedal would make you skid and lose control all of a sudden.
Beware of Puddles
As we have mentioned earlier, hydroplaning can be perilous. Driving in such conditions sticks the film of water between road and tires, thereby preventing the car from coming to a halt. At times the car gets into stagnant water, such as puddles resulting in hydroplaning, which must be avoided at all costs. Save yourself from any dangerous situation by adopting these rainy day driving safety tips.
The Bottom Line
Driving in rainy weather can put you in life-threatening situations. However, By implementing the rain driving safety tips mentioned above, you can safeguard the life and well-being of your loved ones.