Most people are good drivers. However, when it rains, these good drivers don’t seem to adjust their driving habits to their new surroundings. Here are some simple tips to help you drive safely in the rain.
Keep your eyes on the road
It’s always a good idea to keep your eyes on the road, especially in rainy conditions. Be sure to keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle behind you. This will give you plenty of time if you have to stop quickly.
Don’t be curious about other accidents
Car accidents happen, and for whatever reason, everyone who drives into an accident has a tendency to look and see what happened. Most traffic jams and subsequent accidents are due to the “onlookers” gawking at an accident and not paying attention to their surroundings. If you are approaching an accident, highway work crews, or detour signs, pay attention to the traffic and not the distraction on the side of the road.
don’t rush
Speeding is not safe under any circumstances. Especially when it’s harder to see far or when the road is wet. If you are speeding and driving on slippery road surfaces, you risk losing control of your vehicle.
Avoid using cruise control
Cruise control gives you the luxury of sitting comfortably and allows you to rest your foot on the accelerator. However, in dangerous driving conditions, such as rainy weather, cruise control could be the worst thing you can do. Also, while driving you may pass what appear to be small puddles of water, only to find that they are much deeper and you will have to quickly adjust your driving to accommodate the resistance on the road.
Don’t Let Your Cell Phone Distract You
It’s easy to get distracted while driving; especially if you have kids playing with their toys, listening to the music on the radio, thinking about work or the cell phone ringing. Answering your cell phone takes your concentration off the road. No state completely prohibits all types of cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) while driving.
However, California has enacted jurisdiction-wide cell phone laws that prohibit driving while talking on hand-held cell phones. Additionally, Washington and New Jersey are the only states to ban texting for all drivers, but other states are expected to follow suit.
Avoid getting a ticket and don’t put yourself in a position to be distracted by a phone call. If you need to talk on the phone, be sure and stop by. Whether you’re driving in light rain or a downpour, common sense and these basic tips will help you get to your destination. Just be aware of the vehicles around you and don’t put yourself in danger because of a change in the weather.