Slick Weather Conditions: How to Drive Safer in Them

2015-08-12
By: Denise Koslowsky

Summer should be a fun time of year, but the fun can end very quickly on a rainy day if you don’t adjust your driving. Road conditions are greatly changed during a rain storm, and can make driving much more difficult.

 

What Makes Rainy Driving More Dangerous?

There are many factors that can create dangerous driving conditions during rainy weather. Visibility is greatly reduced by wiper blades, and is especially affected during heavy downpours. If you are driving at night when it rains, glare from the headlights of oncoming cars can greatly affect your visibility as well. Roads can become very slick from rain, especially if it is the first rain after a long dry spell. Drivers should be extra cautious during the first 10-30 minutes of heavy rains, as the oils and grease on the road tend to rise up the most during this period. Wet road conditions also bring the risk of hydroplane, which is when your tires begin to lose traction on the road and slide on the water on top of the road.

 

How to Prepare Your Car for Rainy Weather Driving

Here are a few tips on how to be better prepared for driving in rainy conditions:

• Change your wiper blades at least twice per year to keep them in optimal condition.
• Check your tire tread and tire pressure and remember to rotate your tires regularly. You can refer to our blog on tire safety here for more info.
• Make sure to have enough gas in your tank. Travel time may be increased due to inclement weather.

 

How to Drive Safely in Rainy Conditions

When driving in rainy conditions, there are many precautions that you can take to get to your destination safely. Here are a few tips:

• Refrain from using your high beams, this can actually increase glare from light reflecting off of rain drops.
• Reduce your speed and don’t tailgate.
• Try to drive in the tire tracks of the car in front of you, this gives you more grip on the roadway.
• Avoid puddles as much as possible; it can be difficult to judge the depth of the water.
• Be observant, keep your eyes open to your surroundings.
• Limit your distractions to keep focused on the road.
• If the rain becomes so heavy that you can’t safely see what is on the road in front of you, pull off the road and put your hazards on until you are able to safely see.

 

This is the Perfect Opportunity for you to check your coverage.  If you are unsure about your auto policy, contact us for a review. This is especially important if you have a younger driver in your home. As your insurance Advocate, we want to make sure you are informed on how to safely travel in bad weather.  Should you have any further questions on the subject, we encourage you to give us a call.  One of our customer service representatives would be happy to answer your questions.