It’s Spring time,…well, sort of. The snow we’ve been having should really be rain. Don’t fret as there will be plenty of rain to come. We thought this was an appropriate time to pass along some safety tips for driving in wet weather.
Reduce Your Speed
This is an obvious one for any type of inclement weather. Reducing your speed will give you more time to react to dangers on the road. It also lowers the chances of skidding.
Don’t Test the Depths of Puddles
It happens in every rain storm. A driver will pull up to a flooded area, assume that the water is not that deep, and attempt to drive through it. The all-too-common result is the car stalling right in the middle of what is actually a very deep puddle. This will certainly ruin your day and may result in major damage to your vehicle. Don’t risk it! Avoid flooded areas and seek alternate routes.
Stay in the Middle Lane
On the highways, the side lanes are typically more prone to puddling and flooding than the center lane. Staying in the center will therefore be the safer option in most cases. If you do decide to drive in the side lanes, be sure to reduce your speed accordingly to prevent hydroplaning.
Keep a Safe Distance
In hazardous driving conditions, it is best to put a little extra distance between you and the car in front of you. This is especially true on the highway. This extra space will give you more time to reaction to sudden stops and other dangers.
Learn How to Recover from Skids
Skidding is usually caused by excessive speeds or stopping too abruptly. If you car begins to skid, it is important to know what to do. If you’re driving too fast into a turn and start to spin, release the gas and slowly accelerate again after your car has recovered. Braking or accelerating too hard can cause you to veer off-path. Rather than turning the wheel hard in an attempt to recover, first ease up on the gas or brake (whichever was causing the problem to begin with) and then gently turn the wheel.
More Safety Tips for Driving in Wet Weather
You may cause an accident injuring yourself and others if you fail to take the necessary safety precautions. Getting into an accident is never pleasant. It can also be expensive. To reduce the headache of an accident and remain safe this Spring, keep these safety tips for driving in wet weather in mind.
