Driving in the rain can prove stressful for the most experienced driver. If you stress over driving in the rain, that’s not a bad thing. You should always be on heightened alert because the rain presents issues inside and outside your vehicle that you don’t contend with when roads are dry.
If you ever do find yourself involved in an accident, rain or not, always work with a car wreck attorney, as you could be deserving of compensation the insurance company won’t tell you about.
Here are some things to know when driving in wet conditions.
1. Avoid Standing Water
The best thing to do when it’s raining is to avoid water altogether and stay put. However, that’s not possible when you have commitments such as work and school.
If you see standing water, try to avoid it if you can do so without interfering with another driver. Standing water can cause your car to hydroplane. You can avoid standing water by changing lanes or, when possible, maneuvering within your own lane.
If you do find yourself in a hydroplaning situation, the first thing you should do is stay calm and the second thing you should do is let off the gas. You also want to avoid hitting the breaks or trying to turn too quickly.
2. Avoid Running Water
You’ve heard the saying: “Turn around. Don’t drown.” When driving in the rain, never forget how powerful water is when it collects. Never drive through water that is rushing across a roadway, as it could carry your car with it. If you see a river of water rushing across the road, stop. Turn around if possible, and find another route.
3. Ventilate Your Interior
When it’s raining, the air is humid. This can cause your windows to fog over, making visibility even more difficult. Use your car’s built-in defrost to help alleviate the fog. If this doesn’t work, try cracking your window to allow air movement. Never drive if you can’t see in front of you.
4. Drive Under the Posted Limit
The speed limit posted is the maximum speed limit. You are allowed to drive under this limit, and when it’s driving you should. Some experts recommend you cut your speed by at least a third when roads are wet. When roads are wet, you can’t stop as quickly as you can when they’re dry, which is also why you should keep a longer distance between yourself and other vehicles.
5. Inspect Your Wipers
Always know the condition of your wipers. If your wipers are worn, replace them. You should replace your wiper blades at least once a year and more often if necessary. Worn wipers can create further visibility issues if they can’t remove debris and water from your windshield.
Driving in the rain is stressful, and rightfully so. It’s important to understand how to react in various situations. You’ll see drivers who carelessly plow through large puddles and drive in excess of the posted speed limit. Those drivers are gambling with lives. Do your part to keep you and other drivers safe when roads are wet.