Slick Weather Conditions: How to Drive Safer in Rainy Conditions

Road conditions can drastically change during a rainstorm, which can make driving much more difficult.

What Makes Rainy Driving More Dangerous? 

There are many factors that can create dangerous driving conditions during rainy weather. Visibility can be reduced by wiper blades, especially during heavy downpours. If you are driving at night when it rains, glare from the headlights of oncoming cars can greatly affect your visibility as well. Roads can become very slick from rain, especially if it is the first rain after a long dry spell. Drivers should be extra cautious during the first 10-30 minutes of heavy rains, as the oils and grease on the road tend to rise up the most during this period. Wet road conditions also bring the risk of hydroplaning, which is when your tires begin to lose traction on the road and slide on the water on top of the road.

How to Prepare Your Car for Rainy Weather Driving 

Here are a few tips on how to be better prepared for driving in rainy conditions:

• Change your wiper blades regularly to keep them in optimal condition.
• Check your tire tread and tire pressure and remember to rotate your tires regularly.
• Make sure to have enough gas in your tank. Travel time may be increased due to inclement weather.

How to Drive Safely in Rainy Conditions 

When driving in rainy conditions, there are many precautions that you can take to get to your destination safely. Here are a few tips:

• Refrain from using your high beams, this can actually increase glare from light reflecting off of rain drops.
• Reduce your speed and don’t tailgate.
• Try to drive in the tire tracks of the car in front of you, this gives you more grip on the roadway.
• Avoid puddles as much as possible; it can be difficult to judge the depth of the water.
• Be observant, keep your eyes open to your surroundings.
• Limit your distractions to keep focused on the road.
• If the rain becomes so heavy that you can’t safely see what is on the road in front of you, pull off the road and put your hazards on until you are able to safely see.

This is a good reminder for you to check your coverage. If you are unsure about your auto policy, contact us for a review. This is especially important if you have a younger driver in your home. One of our customer service representatives would be happy to answer your questions.

___________________________________________________________________

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.