| While most of us would prefer to simply stay dry | | | | dry ones. Rainwater on roads reduces vehicles' |
| inside our homes until rain subsides, responsibilities such | | | | traction, which makes slowing down, stopping and |
| as going to work require that we endure the wet | | | | accelerating accurately more difficult. The key to |
| weather nonetheless, putting us at the mercy of wet | | | | maintaining control of your vehicle on a wet road is to |
| roads and the questionable skills of countless other | | | | perform all maneuvers conscientiously and gradually. |
| drivers. Depending on the frequency of rainfall in the | | | | When slowing down or approaching a stop, begin |
| area in which you live, other drivers may not be | | | | braking 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 extra | | | | quickly 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 to | | | | to prepare for unexpected hazards, and informs other |
| regularly maintain the tires, brakes, and windshield | | | | drivers of your intent. |
| wipers of your vehicle. Brakes should be regularly | | | | Speaking of other drivers, staying alert to the |
| replaced regardless of the weather, but proper brake | | | | conditions around you and signaling your intent to other |
| function proves to be especially crucial under wet | | | | drivers is crucial to safe driving in the rain. Maintain |
| conditions. Likewise, tires should maintain the | | | | extra distance between your vehicle and the one |
| recommended level of pressure and tread depth for | | | | ahead of you at all times, taking care to allow enough |
| maximum performance. Tires which are beginning to | | | | space to bring your vehicle to a stop in the event that |
| wear out are truly a hazard in the rain, even when | | | | an 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 your | | | | that you are stopping or slowing down, be especially |
| vehicle to hydroplane on a wet road, causing you to | | | | meticulous 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 to | | | | will be slowing down or stopping completely, and they |
| reach your destination. Safely driving in the rain not only | | | | will need ample space to do so under wet conditions. |
| means reducing your speed, but also requires you to | | | | Staying alert to your surroundings, being considerate of |
| remain calm and in control, which can be difficult when | | | | other drivers and practicing cautious driving maneuvers |
| you are anxious about being late. When you start your | | | | in the rain can help prevent an accident that leaves |
| vehicle, turn on the headlights, even if there is only a | | | | you on the side of the road stranded…and |
| slight rain. | | | | soaked. |
| As you are aware, wet roads are more slippery than | | | | |