Driving in the rain, whether a light drizzle or a torrential deluge, may be one of the most challenging conditions a motorist faces. Rainy weather is closely related to a greater accident rate. You will likely be forced to drive your car or ride your motorcycle in the rain at some time, regardless of where you happen to live; even the driest areas have rain sometimes, and of course, you might be visiting a much wetter place too. Understanding how wet roads and limited visibility influence how your vehicle behaves can assist you in driving safely in rainy weather. Read on to find out more.
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Wait Until The Weather Improves
Wait until the weather improves before driving if you are uncomfortable driving in the rain or postpone your trip / commute. There’s no need to put yourself at risk if driving in rainy weather isn’t absolutely essential. Of course, this isn’t always something everyone can do – your boss won’t be impressed if you say you’re going to be late because it’s raining – but when you can stay home, it’s often for the best. The last thing you’ll want to do is have an accident and need help from a motorcycle accident attorney if you could have avoided the accident.
Slow Down
Rain means you’ll have to plan for a longer journey time since traffic will be slower, and you’ll have to slow down. Hydroplaning is most often caused by cars going too quickly, therefore slowing down is a wise decision. Slow down as the rain begins since new rain will bring out the oils on the road and make conditions slicker.
Don’t Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control in wet weather may lead you to lose control of your car. To avoid traction loss, drivers may need to decrease speed by letting off the pedal, however, this is not possible while using cruise control. Furthermore, when driving in rainy weather, the driver must be completely engaged, thus you should avoid cruise control.
Give Other Cars More Room
You should always maintain a safe following distance, but be particularly mindful of giving vehicles in front of you plenty of space. You’ll have more time to respond to what’s coming next if there’s a bigger gap between you. Keep an eye out for brake lights ahead of you.
Turn Your Lights On
If your windshield wipers are on, so should your lights be. When it’s difficult to see through the rain, headlights can assist and improve your visibility and make it simpler for other cars to notice you, preventing an accident.
Avoid Harsh Braking
Use your brakes as little as possible, and try to avoid severe braking if at all feasible. Slow down, allow people space, and lift your foot off the accelerator quickly enough to avoid slamming on the brakes. On wet roads, avoid abrupt movements by steering, stopping, and accelerating gently. It’s best if you test your brakes well before you set off.
Stay Away From Flood-Prone Area
Know which roads in your region are prone to flooding and use alternate routes if heavy rains are forecast.
Be Ready To Turn Back
Driving through flooded regions may be hazardous, if not fatal. If you drive onto a heavily flooded road, your vehicle may begin to float and absorb water. It may even be washed away while you’re still in it. Don’t take any chances. Check for depth gauges and be familiar with the roads you’re travelling on. If you are unsure about the depth of the water, turn back and find another route.
Know How To Manage A Skid
Don’t panic if your vehicle starts to skid. Continue to drive in the desired direction and avoid slamming on your brakes since this makes it more difficult to manage your car. Also, keep your cool if your vehicle begins to hydroplane. If this happens, gradually take your foot off the accelerator and avoid steering. Simply slow down and hang on until your car makes contact with the road again.
Be Prepared For Strong Winds
Wind, which could push your car and other cars about on the road or cause you to lose control, frequently comes with rain. Maintain a firm hold on the steering wheel, offer a wide space to high-profile cars that may be more vulnerable to wind, and be aware that powerful gusts may strike you.
Watch For Pedestrians
Avoid splashing people. As you drive, keep an eye out for puddles where people are walking parallel to you. Despite the fact that eighty-eight percent of pedestrian deaths occur in the absence of bad weather, drivers should not relax their guard and must look out for people nearby.
Check Your Tires
In rainy weather driving, your tires are your greatest friend, providing grip and keeping you stable on the road. Check your tread and tire pressure to ensure you’re set to go even if it’s raining.
