How to Drive Safely while it is raining
Many new drivers have little experience driving in wet conditions, and in places that it rarely rains, even experienced drivers have been recognized to ‘forget’ the fundamentals of wet driving safety. Rain makes pretty much every facet of driving harder, so today we are taking a look at how you can make sure you keep your car dent-free, your body intact, as well as your no-claim bonus showing up in your car insurance bill month after month, by driving safely while it is raining.
Being seen
The visibility of your car is a major element in safety. You know you’re there, but when other people can’t see you well, there is any number of dangerous situations that may be created. Even light rain blurs lines and blends colours together – so always put your headlights on when it receives a bit wet.
Visibility
By the same token, you need to make sure that you are alert for cars that you can’t see in addition to usual, in conditions of reduced visibility. Spend some time at intersections, and if you are aware of one that it’s particularly hard to see at, take an alternative route.
Tyres and suspension
It is critical that your tyres have enough tread on them, and therefore are inflated to the correct pressure for road driving when it’s wet. Your tyres are the car’s only point of road contact, so if they fail… you fail. Remember that driving at slower speeds means that much more of your tyre is contacting the road, so you shouldn’t be afraid to visit slower than the posted speed limit when it’s wet. If you do drive slower than the posted speed limit, though, allow cars to pass you when possible to prevent crashes and car insurance claims borne out of frustration.
Speed and distance
As we just mentioned, reducing helps to ensure that more of your tyre is contacting the road. Together with keeping your speed down in general, make sure that you leave room involving the car and the car in front. The rain makes rear end collisions much more likely since it is harder to see brake lights, because stopping distances are increased and since aquaplaning and brake lockups are more inclined.