Picture this: you’re driving home from work when the skies suddenly open up and a severe rainstorm passes through. You have low visibility through the sheets of rain, the roads are slick with water, and you’re feeling panicked.
Driving in the rain, whether it’s a sprinkle or a downpour, can present many hazards. In fact, rainy conditions boost the rate of auto accidents.
The personal injury lawyers at Maurer Law understand your plight. Use these tips for driving in the rain the next time you’re caught in a storm while out and about.
Read on!
Wait Until the Weather Clears
If driving in rain makes you feel uncomfortable, wait until the storm passes to get behind the wheel. If you’re already inside of your car, find a safe place to pull over to wait out the storm. This includes a parking lot or side street in a neighborhood.
Check Your Car
One of the best ways to stay safe while driving in heavy rain is to be proactive before the storm even occurs. Always ensure that every component of your vehicle is working properly.
This includes the windshield wipers and all of the lights. Also, check your tires to see if they are balding or need air. Balding tires can drastically reduce traction on wet roads.
See and Be Seen
Even if it’s just a drizzle, it’s the law in most states to turn your headlights on if it’s raining. Not only does having your headlights on allow other drivers to see you, but it also helps your visibility in foggy conditions.
Know What to Do if You Hydroplane
If you happen to hit a puddle and lose control of your vehicle, here’s what to do:
- Don’t panic.
- Don’t hit the brakes.
- Don’t use cruise control.
- Do ease off the gas.
- Do continue to drive forward at a steady pace.
- Do steer straight until you regain control.
Slow Down When Driving in the Rain
You should be driving below the speed limit during wet conditions. Watery roadways are dangerous and greatly reduces your car’s traction. Driving slower gives you time to react if need-be and keeps you and others out of harm’s way.
Use Your Wipers
While this may seem like common sense, some folks will forget to turn on their wipes in a drizzle. You can adjust your windshield wiper’s speed to clear droplets of water and moisture from your windshield.
There are also several different products available on the market that can be sprayed on your windshield to combat the accumulation of rainwater.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
In addition to slowing down, widen the gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. Coming to a complete stop in the rain is more difficult than on dry pavement.
Stay Safe While Driving in Rain
Follow these essential tips to stay safe while driving in the rain. If you do get into an accident and need a personal injury lawyer, call the legal experts at Maurer Law at 509-838-9111.