Although car accidents can happen even under the broad sunlight, we can’t disregard the truth that driving in the rain is riskier. As a matter of fact, nearly half of all weather-related car accidents are due to rain.
While it is true that car insurance can be a blessing in disguise when it comes to financial terms in case you get into an accident while navigating the road, we need to admit that nothing beats reaching your destination without getting involved in such road mishaps. One more thing, though having auto insurance puts you at ease while driving, with the thought that it covers you against the potential misfortunes on the road, be cautious, especially when it is raining, is important.
With this, here are some of the crucial tips that could keep your driving safe during the rain.
1. Inspect your car
Just before the rainy season strike, it is important to inspect your car’s equipment to know it if there are parts that need to be altered or repaired.
- Check your windshield and wipers; make sure they are working well in order to keep clear visibility under the heavy rain.
- Without a battery, your car won’t work, which is why checking its condition regularly and replacing it every two years is a smart way to keep it working efficiently. Take note that car batteries are likely to drain quickly during the rainy season, provided that you are using the headlights and windshield wipers most of the time.
- Since heavy rainfall can make the road to become dark, regardless of the time of the day, headlights are needed to have a clearer view of the path you’re taking. In this point, having fully operational headlights is significant, so if you notice your headlights start to dim, might as well install new ones.
- Make sure your brake pads are in good condition while ensuring that your brake fluid isn’t golden yet.
- Worn out tires have less grip, which makes it easier to skid, especially on a wet road. So before the rainy season comes, it is advisable to change your tires with ones that can handle slippery roads.
2. Wait until the weather improves
If you can’t postpone your trip, despite the bad weather, might as well wait until the heavy rainfall subsides. Insisting to drive under the intense rain is akin to putting yourself in danger given that the road can be relatively slippery due to the fact that it is full of brake fluid, oil, dirt, and other grime. If possible, wait until the rain washes away the dirt and grime off the road before you hit the driveway.
3. Maintain a safe distance between cars and other vehicles on the road
Given that stopping your vehicle becomes even harder when driving in the rain, keeping a great distance between other vehicles including the car ahead of you is advised. Doing so can prevent an accidental collision in case you or the other motorist stops or accelerates.
4. Drive slower than you normally would
Going on full speed when it is raining is not a good idea; in fact, this can be a cause of accidents between you and other motorists. In order to avoid being in a perilous situation, it would be better to drive at a slower speed than you normally would. This driving mindset is imperative, most especially, in the rainy season.
5. Avoid heavy braking
When driving in traffic and under the pouring the rain, one of the driving attitudes that you should not forget is avoiding heavy braking. With this, try to slow your vehicle by means of taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you usually would. Take note not to use cruise control for it can cause your car to accelerate when hydroplaning, plus it can lessen the attentiveness of the driver.
6. Let off the gas when hydroplaning
One of the most common car accidents during rainy weather is hydroplaning, which occurs when you make quick turns on the wet road. Should your car hydroplane, it is crucial to calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction where your car needs to go.
7. Stay away from flood-prone roads
Unless your car is designed for wading through floodwaters, never risk your vehicle by driving on flood-prone roads. Never try to make your car be a speedboat for it is not meant to drive on the land and not in the water! Not only can it damage the battery, engine, and the interior of your vehicle for it can also put your safety at risk.
8. Avoid standing water on roadways
Aside from the fact that you can hydroplane and lose control when you try to drive fast on standing water, it can also reduce your visibility, as well as the other drivers, due to splashing water. Also, what you think is only a few centimeters deep rain puddles could actually be potholes.
9. Grip the steering wheel with both hands
With this, we mean putting down your cell phone or whatever you’re holding in your other hand. Bear in mind that texting while driving is prohibited as it is one of the causes of car accidents. By gripping the steering wheel with both hands, you can be able to maximize the control of your vehicle, hence preventing such road misfortunes.
10. Be watchful of road hazards
The roads can have humps, streets diggings, open manholes, and other hazards. With regards to this, being watchful of the path you’re taking while driving on slow speed during rainy weather is important.
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