Rains are not predictable and can occur at any time. Wet roads do not stop people from going on about their lives and reaching their destination. However, that doesn't make driving during rain a hazardous experience. The slick roads can cause skids and hydroplanes. It is not easy to control your car when the road is wet. Thus, we must follow safety tips to protect ourselves. They can help you tackle the rainy roads like a pro and make intelligent decisions.
Before going out in the rain, always prepare beforehand to ensure a safe drive. You need to:
Be well rested and have a clear mind before getting behind the wheel.
Prepare your car to handle the rain efficiently by ensuring proper inflation of tyres so that there is enough tread when you're on the road.
Rain leads to limited visibility, so make sure you can see correctly and be seen.
Test your windshield wipers beforehand for optimal performance.
Apply water-repellent products to the windshield.
Turn on the deforester, so your windows don't get fogged.
Wipe away the dirt from the brake lights, taillights, headlights, etc., so others can see you clearly.
Headlights give you twice the visibility on the road, so turn them on.
When it rains, maintaining your distance is very important to avoid mishaps.
Leave room between yourself and other vehicles to avoid hitting something or getting hit.
Try keeping the following distance to 5 or more seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
Keep an open space on one side of your car, at least when on the highway or road with many lanes.
Avoiding cruise control makes you more attentive to driving which is beneficial when driving in bad weather.
If cruise control is engaged, your car will not respond until the brake is pressed.
When you avoid using it, it will give you more options when there is a loss of traction while driving in the rain.
To avoid it, it is essential to retain maximum control when making sudden movements.
Drive smoothly when you turn, hit the brake, steer or accelerate your car in the rain.
Do not jerk the steering wheel or stomp on your pedals on a wet road, as you'll lose traction.
All speed or steering changes must be made slowly.
Most people drive very fast on a wet road; please slow down.
Your tyres can lose contact with the wet roads leading to difficulties in controlling the car.
When you slow down and reduce your speed, it maximizes your safety.
There is less traction in your tyres on wet roads, so always slow down when making a turn.
Do not lose your calm in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
Never jam on the breaks impulsively when hydroplaning but gently apply them.
Keep your focus on the road ahead so your brain can maximize your chance of making better decisions.
