Be Prepared for the Rain, When It Comes

It may not seem so relevant this season for most of us – it’s summer, as we all know, so it’s sunny outside – but that is all the more reason to exercise caution when it actually does rain.  The first rain is always the most dangerous for drivers.  When there is no rain for a long time, oil and pollution build up on the road so that when there is rain, the slick grime buried in the asphalt rises to the surface, providing for much more dangerous driving conditions.  Autumn will be here soon and when it arrives, be ready for the rain.

Here are some tips for driving in the rain:

• Drive slower than usual.  This may go without saying, but it is the most fundamental safety tip for driving in the rain.

• Be more cautious.  Since it is raining, visibility and your car’s ability to take turns are hindered.  Be extra careful.

• Brake early and lightly.  If you step on the brakes too hard, you will likely hydroplane and lose control of your car.  When you need to stop, release your gas pedal and tap the brake until you have stopped.

• If needed, get new tires.  When your tire tread wears low, your car will hydroplane much easier. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between your tires and the road.  If the tires can’t grip the road, they slide.  The tread in tires allows the water to pass through the tires as they roll over the street and if there isn’t enough of a gap in the surface of the tires, they won’t be able to grip the road.  To see some tips on how to know if your tires are rain-worthy, see our earlier post, “Pinching Pennies Can Help Avoid Injury,” from August 2.

• Turn on your headlights.  As stated in the second point, our visibility decreases in the rain, so turn on your headlights in order to better see where you are going.  Headlights also allow your car itself to easier be seen, as light shining through a downpour signals to others that your car is there.  Be careful, though, to not use your high beams, which is discussed in the next point.

• Do not use your high beams.  The light from a car’s high beams reflects off of the rainwater pouring in front of you and can actually decrease visibility, not increase it.

• When you see large puddles do not drive through them, if possible.  Try to go around them.  They could hide large potholes that could damage your wheels or knock out your suspension.

Please, for the safety of everyone, drive carefully when the rain comes.  Handling a vehicle in the rain is tricky and drivers need to adhere to much more stringent safety measures.  Don’t forget to be careful when it rains or you could learn that lesson the hard way.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to the rain, don’t forget to call the Injury Helpline.  Our professionals will connect you to an injury lawyer who can give you the legal advice you need. Call us today at 1-866-892-9204.

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