Driving in the rain can cause safety concerns. Not only does rain distort your view of the road ahead, but rain can also create slippery driving surfaces. During the rainy months of the year, consider these tips for driving safely:
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Slow Down
Wet pavement is slippery. If you drive too quickly over wet pavement, your tires may lose traction. This can make your car harder to handle, which can result in unsafe conditions. Slowing down also allows you to create more space between yourself and other traffic. If you do need to stop for any reason, you are giving yourself more room to bring your vehicle to a stop, which reduces the chances of a collision. A slow-moving vehicle is also easier to bring to a complete stop than a fast-moving vehicle.
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Turn on Your Headlights
It is usually dark and cloudy when it rains. Rain can distort your vision, but so can darkness. Turning on your headlights can improve your vision. Your headlights can also make it easier for other cars on the road to see you.
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Drive in the Tracks of the Car in Front of You
Following the lead of the cars in front of you can make it easier to drive on wet road conditions. The cars ahead of you are making a path in the water. Driving in this path can make it easier to handle your vehicle, reducing the risk of losing control.
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Know How to Handle Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning happens when your tires drive over water and lose contact with the road. You are most likely to hydroplane when driving in large puddles. Hydroplaning causes your vehicle to skid or spin. If this happens, take your foot off of the gas pedal and keep the wheel straight until your vehicle reclaims traction. If needed, brake gently. Do not press hard on the brakes, as this will make the skid or spin worse.
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Pay Attention to Other Drivers
Driving defensively is always a good idea, especially when it is raining. Other drives may not be as cautious as you when driving in rainy conditions. Keep an eye out for drivers who are speeding. Try to avoid these drivers, as they may hydroplane and skid. You also want to look out for any cars that may not have their headlights on. These cars will be more difficult to see and you do not want to collide with them.
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Maintain the Quality of Your Windshield Wipers
It is hard enough to see in a rainstorm, but improperly functioning windshield wipers make your vision even worse. Without well functioning windshield wipers, you may not be able to see the road ahead at all. This is incredibly unsafe, so check your windshield wipers often. You also want to make sure you have enough windshield wiper fluid in your car. Without the fluid, you may not be able to clean dirt and debris from your windshield during a storm, which makes your vision worse.
When following these tips, you can operate your vehicle as safely as possible in the rain. You can shop for a vehicle at Rochester Mazda, or you can receive service on your vehicle at our location. Be sure to check us out!
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