Wet Road Safety Rules

Hurricanes in the Atlantic and Gulf often means harsh driving rains in the midwest.  Our recent Hurricane seasons have grown more harsh.  Driving in town or on the Interstate during a drizzle, or a downpour may pose real problems if you don't know how to stay safe.   Preparation for driving in any condition is JOB # 1. 

Is Your Car Rain-Ready?  Don't get caught in the rain with: 

• Improperly inflated tires.  Check your tires on a regular basis to make sure that they are inflated to the correct pressure. Look at your tires for signs of wear such as warping, bald spots, and more. Remember, the deeper the tread on your tires, the more traction you’ll have.

• Dirty interior windows or bad wiper blades.  Clean the interior of your windshield, you will appreciate the difference it makes with rain driving in the daylight and at night. Replace your windshield wipers at least once a year. Bad wiper blades don’t clear the water off your windshield properly and can impair your vision.

• Broken or missing lights. Make sure that your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signal lights are all working properly.

• Keep an emergency kit in your car. This is a good idea, regardless of the time of year. You can assemble your own, or pick one up at your local auto or discount retailer.

Easy Does It:

• Give yourself extra time to get to your travel destination.
• If you’re already running late, call ahead. Never try to make up time on the road.
• Consider an alternate route if your normal route has roads that collect water.

On the Road:

• The number one rule of rain weather driving is to slow down. Oil deposits on the road become slippery when combined with rain. The slower you go, the more traction you’ll have. Be extra careful at intersections where oil deposits are typically greatest.
• Leave extra space between you and the driver in front of you. It takes more time to stop your car in wet weather.
• Use your headlights. Headlights not only help you see better, but it also helps oncoming drivers see your vehicle.
• Avoid standing water. Not only is it difficult to judge the depth of standing water, but the water could also be covering a pot hole which could damage your car.
• Stay in the center lanes where the road is highest and avoid lane changes. Water pools tend to collect along the curb and between lanes. The deeper the water, the harder it is to maintain control of your vehicle.
• Take special care when following or passing trucks. Trucks can generate a large spray, making it difficult to see the road and other vehicles.
• Slow down by either taking your foot off the accelerator or braking lightly. Always avoid having to come to a quick stop.