Rain doesn’t just ruin your beach plans; it can also make driving more difficult. When raindrops fall from the sky, it can decrease your visibility and make the roads more slippery, increasing your chances of getting into a car accident. While it would be ideal to avoid driving when it’s raining, it sometimes isn’t possible. Here are some helpful tips to drive safely in the rain:
Drive Slower
When it’s pouring out, it’s no time to be a speed demon on the road. Your tires can lose traction with precipitation, so speeding can increase your chances of getting into an accident. It’s a good idea to reduce your speed by about a third when it’s raining. It might take more time to get to your destination, but at least you can avoid getting into a collision.
Don’t Follow Too Closely Behind Other Vehicles
While it’s never a good idea to tailgate, it’s especially dangerous when it’s wet and slippery out. If you follow too closely behind a vehicle in the rain and have to stop suddenly, you can slip on the road and rear end that vehicle. To prevent this from happening, try stay at least two to three car lengths behind the vehicle in front of you.
Remember to Turn Your Headlights on
Even if it’s raining during daylight hours, you should turn your headlights on. This will help other drivers see you better and avoid accidents.
Avoid Using Cruise Control
Cruise control can give your feet a break while you are driving. However, you should avoid using this feature when it’s raining out. If you have your cruise control on when it’s raining, it can actually cause you to lose control of your vehicle and get into an accident.
Brake Slower
When it’s raining out, it isn’t a good idea to hit your brakes very hard. Doing this can cause your car to hydroplane and increase the risk of a collision. Anticipate when you will need to slow down and gently tap your brakes.
Don’t Drive Over Puddles
If you see puddles ahead, try your hardest to drive around them. Some puddles may appear shallow at first, but they can actually be quite deep. If you drive your car into a deep puddle, it can cause damage.
Watch Out for Pedestrians
During a rainstorm, pedestrians may not be able to see the road as clearly and can step onto it at the wrong time. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully look for pedestrians when it’s raining.
Pull Over When It Rains Too Hard
If it’s raining so hard that you can’t see anything, it’s best to just pull over to a safe spot until it calms down. Trying to drive when it’s raining that intensely is just asking for an accident to happen.
If you were involved in a car accident that was caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Talk to a car accident lawyer.
