Driving in the Rain
Rainy days can put a damper on your mood, but they don't have to put a damper on your driving. With a few simple tips, you can stay safe and sound on the road, even when the weather is less than ideal.
Before You Hit the Road
Check your tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread. Worn tires can hydroplane more easily in wet weather.
Turn on your headlights. Even if it's not dark outside, turning on your headlights will help you see better and make you more visible to other drivers.
Defrost your windows. Make sure you can see clearly out of all of your windows before you start driving.
On the Road
Slow down. It takes longer to stop on a wet road, so reduce your speed and allow extra following distance between you and the car in front of you.
Use your low-beam headlights. High-beam headlights can reflect off of the wet road and make it harder to see.
Be aware of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road and ride on top of a film of water. If you start to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas and steer gently until you regain control.
Watch out for puddles. Avoid driving through puddles, especially if you don't know how deep they are. They could hide potholes or other hazards.
Additional Tips
Keep your windshield clean. A dirty windshield can obscure your vision, especially in wet weather.
Use your air conditioner. This will help to defog your windows from the inside.
Be patient. It may take longer to get where you're going when it's raining. But it's better to be safe than sorry.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable drive, even on the rainiest of days.