Driving in rain, whether a sprinkle or a heavy downpour, can be one of the most difficult driving situations a driver encounters. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. No matter what part of the country you live in, it is almost certain that you will be required to drive your vehicle in the rain at some point. Knowing how wet roads and reduced visibility affects the way your vehicle handles will help you drive safely in rainy conditions.
Here are the best bets for you to a seamless, smooth drive in spite of the downpour.
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Wait: You can wait until the weather improves if you feel uncomfortable driving in the rain and can postpone your trip or commute. There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary.
Double check your car’s equipment: Check your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers to make sure that they will work efficiently when they are needed. Also check the tread of your vehicle’s tires. Balding tires can severely reduce traction on wet roadways.
Slow down: You should drive considerably slower than you normally would. Wet roads are very dangerous. Your vehicle’s reaction time is much slower when it is raining. Reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather.
Turn on your headlights: Even if it is only misting, turning on your vehicle’s headlights will increase both your own visibility and other drivers’ ability to see your car on the road.
Use your windshield wipers: While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most cars’ windshield wiper speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or in a heavy downpour.
Keep a safe distance: Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain, during an emergency. So, maintain a distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles.
Avoid heavy braking: Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune.
Avoid driving through standing water: Entering a standing water can make you to lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, steer off places where water has collected by changing lanes.
Don’t accelerate if you suddenly enter a water body (Hydroplaning): Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes.
Ventilate your heater to clear fog: You may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. Most cars’ ventilation systems include a function that will work to reduce this type of fog that develops on the interior of your windows and windshield. It may be necessary to pull over if you are no longer able to see through your windows.
Staying safe while driving in the rain is simple if you make a conscious effort to employ these safety precautions.
Source: https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-rain/
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