The topic of how to drive safely in the rain hasn't been brought up many times here in
Texas within the past couple of years, because the state has been suffering from an
extreme drought.
As a consequence, driver's have had to remind themselves regarding the problems that rainfall delivers as we drive and exactly what to keep in mind to be able to stay as
safe as we possibly can.
Cruise control works well when road conditions are dry, however, in the case that highway
conditions are wet it's best not to employ cruise control so that we as drivers can completely
concentrate on every aspect of driving.
In order to maximize our security, as well as to improve the management of our car when
we are driving, the cruise control feature must be disconnected when it is raining.
When it rains visibility is reduced, both our ability to observe others autos as well as the
capability of other motorist's to see our automobile.
Ensuring that our headlights are on while it is pouring down rain will help to improve
visibility for each driver on the streets.
To drive safely when it is raining it is essential to be positive that both the
headlights and taillights of our cars are really in proper working order at all times.
When it rains the grease that is on the road is raised up and blended with water and this
mixture makes the highway more slick.
This absence of traction may result in hydroplaning, a condition where our car tires
lose their degree of contact with the roadway.
To stay clear of the potential of hydroplaning, we should reduce our speed
as soon as the freeway is wet.
Furthermore, this mix of oil and water will make it more hazardous for drivers who
make sharp turns or who try to make rapid stops while driving in rain.
To drive safely when it is raining, we as drivers ought to think further ahead and plan
our turns and stops earlier.
In addition, it goes without saying that compounding the dangers of driving in rain with using your cellphone to send a text or to check your messages is a very bad idea
and a potential recipe for disaster.
Instead of using the 2-second following rule, drivers ought to increase that time-frame to
a 3-second or 4-second following rule instead.
Stopping distances grow on wet roads and providing more room between our car and
the one in front of us will give us an improved chance to take action in order to
stop without incident.
There have been numerous motorists that had to be saved this past May here in Texas, when they made an effort to drive-through
zones of roads which were covered with water.
It does not take much water depth on a road for our vehicle to start to float or to be
pulled off of a road altogether.
In the event you are unable to unmistakably see the highway itself, as a consequence of standing or flowing water, the safe option is
to turn around and find a different path.