Driving Safely in Rain

Safety tips for driving in rain include turning on your car’s running lights. If the rain is heavy, turn on your low beams. This will increase the chances that you will be seen by other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

During wet weather, road surfaces are most slippery immediately after the rain begins to fall. This is because the oil and grease on the wet pavement have not yet been washed away. Driving on a road covered with oil and water can be like driving on ice. You should turn off your cruise control, reduce your speed, use extra caution and allow twice the normal following distance.

You can prevent skids by driving slowly, especially on curves.

Follow these additional safe driving tips when driving in rain:

* Steer and brake with a light touch.
When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal
If you do find yourself in a skid:

* Remain calm,
* Ease your foot off the gas, apply the brakes, and
* Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This is called “steering into the skid”.

Losing control of your car on wet pavement, also known as hydroplaning, is a frightening experience. Unfortunately, it can happen unless you take preventive measures.