Safe Habits for Driving in the Rain

While most of us would prefer to simply stay drydry ones. Rainwater on roads reduces vehicles'
inside our homes until rain subsides, responsibilities suchtraction, which makes slowing down, stopping and
as going to work require that we endure the wetaccelerating accurately more difficult. The key to
weather nonetheless, putting us at the mercy of wetmaintaining control of your vehicle on a wet road is to
roads and the questionable skills of countless otherperform all maneuvers conscientiously and gradually.
drivers. Depending on the frequency of rainfall in theWhen slowing down or approaching a stop, begin
area in which you live, other drivers may not bebraking far in advance, and do not brake sharply or
accustomed to practicing safe driving habits in the rain,attempt an abrupt stop. Stopping or accelerating too
making it even more important for you to take extraquickly can cause your vehicle to skid, which can lead
precautions in wet driving conditions.to a loss of control. Braking far in advance allows you
An essential precaution for driving in the rain is toto prepare for unexpected hazards, and informs other
regularly maintain the tires, brakes, and windshielddrivers of your intent.
wipers of your vehicle. Brakes should be regularlySpeaking of other drivers, staying alert to the
replaced regardless of the weather, but proper brakeconditions around you and signaling your intent to other
function proves to be especially crucial under wetdrivers is crucial to safe driving in the rain. Maintain
conditions. Likewise, tires should maintain theextra distance between your vehicle and the one
recommended level of pressure and tread depth forahead of you at all times, taking care to allow enough
maximum performance. Tires which are beginning tospace to bring your vehicle to a stop in the event that
wear out are truly a hazard in the rain, even whenan unexpected obstacle appears or an accident
they still seem to function properly on dry roads.occurs ahead. In addition to providing plenty of warning
Improper tire inflation or inadequate tread can lead yourthat you are stopping or slowing down, be especially
vehicle to hydroplane on a wet road, causing you tometiculous about using turn signals in advance when it
lose control of the vehicle.is raining. Turn signals warn drivers behind you that you
On rainy days, make sure to allow extra travel time towill be slowing down or stopping completely, and they
reach your destination. Safely driving in the rain not onlywill need ample space to do so under wet conditions.
means reducing your speed, but also requires you toStaying alert to your surroundings, being considerate of
remain calm and in control, which can be difficult whenother drivers and practicing cautious driving maneuvers
you are anxious about being late. When you start yourin the rain can help prevent an accident that leaves
vehicle, turn on the headlights, even if there is only ayou on the side of the road stranded…and
slight rain.soaked.
As you are aware, wet roads are more slippery than