While driving through a light sprinkle may not seem like such a big deal it can be as dangerous as driving through a heavy downpour. Rainy weather conditions directly associated with higher accident rates, so it’s important to learn how to safely navigate driving through rainstorms. Not only do rainy conditions obstruct visibility they also make the roads even slippier by bringing all the oil and different fluids spilled on asphalt to the top, due to this fact rain-soaked roads can be just as deadly as ice-covered roads. Craig and Landreth Chrysler Jeep Ram suggest following these tips to avoid any potential accidents during rainstorms.
Wait Until the Weather Improves
If you can, wait the storm out and then head out onto the open road. There is no reason to put yourself in danger if you don’t have to so if you can simply wait until the weather improves. You can check radar apps and check and see when the worst part of the storm is expected to be over before heading to your car.
Check Your Vehicle’s Equipment
You’re going to want to check and make sure all of your vehicle’s equipment is working properly before you head out. You should check this during perfect weather as well but it is even more important during inclement weather. You’re going to want to make sure all of your lights are working including taillights and headlights and that your windshield wipers are in proper working order. Old windshield wipers the leave smudging and miss sections of your windshield make driving in the rain even more hazardous than it already is. You should also give your tires a good look over and make sure the tread isn’t balding and that they are properly inflated.
Turn On Your Headlights
Now that you know your headlights are working perfectly, turn them on! Not only will they help you see better in the rain they also help other drivers see your vehicle. This helps prevents accidents from occurring because another driver simply did not see your vehicle in the rain.
Use Your Windshield Wipers
Again now that you know your wipers are in excellent condition it’s time to put them to work. You can’t see as well if there are tiny rain droplets covering your windshield and you can barely see at all during a heavy rainstorm when it’s just a constant wash of rain. So whether you’re driving in light rain or a heavy storm make sure you turn those windshield wipers on! You can even adjust them to a speed that matches the amount of rain your windshield is receiving.
Ventilate Your Car
Rain increases humidity levels causing your vehicle’s windows to become foggy which in turn considerably reduces your visibility. So you can see clearly you’re going to want to turn on your vehicle’s ventilation system which will clear up your windshield.
Watch Out For Standing Water
Driving through standing water considering increasing your chances of hydroplaning which is when your vehicle loses traction and skids across the surface of the road. So you don’t lose control of your vehicle, avoid driving through standing water. If you do end up hydroplaning take your foot off of the accelerator and steer in the direction you need to go, do not slam on your brakes or make sudden turns.