14 Tips On Driving Safely In The Rains

By Author: Nicola Jackson
Total Articles: 40
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Driving in the rain can be a challenge, even to expert drivers. In the heavy rain, it becomes difficult to see the road in front, other vehicles and road and traffic signs. Here are a few points to keep you ahead of the curve:

1. Check wipers before you leave from home. Replace old or brittle wipers.

2. The first rains make it most difficult to drive as it washes the oil and mud on the dry road and forms a slippery layer. You should be extra careful and drive slow when it just begins to rain.

3. The first important point is to drive slower than you usually do. The car takes time to stop or adjust in wet conditions.

4. Try to drive in the middle lanes. Water generally tends to accumulate in the outside lanes.

5. Let the car ahead do the job for you. It is displacing and pushing the water and creating a better driving surface for you. Keep your tires aligned to the car ahead of you.

6. Maintain sufficient distance from the car ahead. The distance should be more than in normal conditions. Watch out for brake lights of the car ahead.

7. Avoid following buses or trucks too closely. ...
... The wheel of water created by their tires will further obstruct your view. Take care when overtaking them too. Blow horns when overtaking.

8. Go slow when driving through a puddle of uncertain depth. If the pool seems to be too deep, it is better to turn around and look for another route. Deep water can cause serious damages to your car's electrical system.

9. Keep your headlights and taillights on even in light rain, foggy or other overcast conditions. It will make your car visible to other drivers.

10. Listen to the rain beating against your car top to gauge the weather. You may listen to weather and traffic reports or play some music, but make it a point not to make it too loud. You may not be able to hear the horn screeching at the back.

11. Keep your brake pads dry as wet ones have less power.

12. If the rain becomes too heavy, it's better to take break. Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades, causing a continuous sheet of rain water flowing down the windscreen. This will almost entirely blind your vision. In such cases, it's best to pull up and stop at rest areas or other protected areas until the rain eases. When you've parked, keep your headlights and hazard lightings on to alert other drivers of your presence.

13. Don't drive if you are fatigued.

14. If you are an amateur driver, it is best not to take out the car by yourself while it rains. If you insist, take a proper training from a driving school before the rainy seasons arrive. If you are looking for driving schools in Hamilton, there are many good ones where you can get training from trained instructors. Visit www.udsoline.ca to know more.