The rainy season is here and here to stay for the next couple of months. This means we all need to remember to drive extra cautiously when it is presently raining, or when it has previously rained, and the roads are slick. However, when driving in the rain, there are some specific ways in which you can stay safe that go beyond simply driving cautiously. According to the automotive assistance providing company, AAA, here are some safety tips that make sure you remain safe on the wet and rainy roads.
Turn Off Cruise Control
While cruise control can be a great feature to maintain speed when you are driving in situations where traffic conditions allow for it, it can be dangerous to use when driving on wet roads. This feature can increase your risk of losing control when it is used on wet roads. Additionally, wet roads requires constantly changing speeds in order to operate safely, something that cruise control can make more difficult for drivers. A driver has to be prepared to slow down, something that is more difficult to do when roads are wet, so they need to have their full focus on their accelerator and braking system.
Leave More Space Than Usual
In general, when you are on the road, you should leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. Usually, it is suggested to leave around three seconds of space. This means that it should take you three seconds to reach the spot the car in front of you is at. This is typically enough reaction time to avoid traffic collisions. However, when it is rainy, you should increase this time and distance between yourself and the car in front of you. Reaction time slows down with wet roads, as you need to brake slower in order to avoid spinning out. This means a bigger gap is necessary to ensure proper braking can occur and avoid collisions.
Slow Down to Avoid Hydroplaning
Overall, when roads are slick, you should drive slower. Driving slower decreases your risk of spinning out and hydroplaning. When there is a layer of water on the road that is even 1/12 inch thick, a car can be at risk of hydroplaning. The thicker the layer of water on the road is, the higher the risk of hydroplaning is, as there is a greater amount of water separating your tire from the road. Slowing down based on the amount of water on the road is a necessity as it gives your vehicle more ability to touch tires to the road safely.
How to Handle Skidding
If you find yourself skidding or beginning to spin out when driving in the rain, do not panic. Be sure to steer in the direction you want to go in. Therefore, if the car begins to spin left but you need to go straight, steer to the right. Additionally, do not slam on the brakes. This could cause more harm in the situation and cause the vehicle to spin out more severely.
Stay safe and dry when you head out on the road using these tips!
