Driving in the rain can be very troublesome and it can even be downright unsafe in some cases. It pays to be a defensive driver and focus on your surroundings when you are behind the wheel and it’s raining. Distracted driving is a great risk on its own and adding wet roads and low visibility to the equation only serves to put you and others on the road in more danger. That’s why being aware and driving safely is a smart decision in such scenarios.
Following are 6 tips for defensive driving in the rain:
1. Drive Cautiously
Slowing down and being cautious is a basic rule for driving in the rain. The best thing you could do is to drive at a safe speed that corresponds to the extent of how wet the road is. In addition to slowing down, you should also avoid making sharp turns or hard braking in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you.
2. Increase Your Following Distance
As you reduce your driving speed, it is recommended that you make more space between your car and the one in front of you. This is because it takes longer to stop a vehicle on a wet road so you need more following distance to stop safely. Many car accidents occur on wet roads because of this so be prepared to stop within the distance that you can see ahead.
3. Don’t Rely on Cruise Control
Modern cars nowadays feature cruise control. This feature works great in dry conditions; however, it fails to perform effectively when driving in the rain. The likelihood of losing control of the car is high. So, don’t rely on cruise control. In fact, it would be wise to avoid cruise control altogether as without it, you would respond better to a potential loss-of-traction scenario, hence ensuring safety.
4. Protect Yourself from Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning refers to the tires’ inability to get a grip on the road which leads to losing control of the direction of the vehicle. This typically happens when you step on the brakes suddenly while the vehicle is moving at a high speed. This occurrence is very common in the rain when roads are wet. To protect yourself from hydroplaning, it is recommended that you keep your speeds at manageable levels. It also helps to make sure that your tires are properly inflated before you travel.
5. Use Your Headlights Properly
Using your vehicle’s headlights is highly recommended when it’s raining. This is because it will improve your visibility as well as ensure that other drivers can see your vehicle clearly. Don’t use your high beams in the rain as it could negatively affect your visibility and the visibility of other drivers on the road as well.
6. Be Wary of Larger Vehicles
Pay close attention to trailers and trucks as they pass you by. Large vehicles on the road are more prone to losing control in the rain and their drivers often have a hard time staying in their lanes. Give yourself more space than usual so that you have more time to react to traffic.
These are some of the tips for defensive driving in the rain. Following them one step at a time will help you drive to your destination safely.
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