Tip to Drive Safely in the Rain in Greenville, NC

Drive Safely in the Rain with these Tips

A significant portion of weather-related car accidents take place on wet roads, particularly during rainfall. Maneuvering on slippery surfaces under poor light poses a considerable challenge, making driving in the rain one of the most dangerous situations for any driver. As we approach the rainy season, it's important to equip ourselves with essential safety measures.

Safety begins before you even hit the road, and your top priority should be to maximize visibility for yourself and others. Swap out worn windshield wiper inserts that hinder your view or don't effectively clear the glass. It's essential to ensure that all your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are in perfect working order to make yourself visible to other drivers, especially in heavy rain. Always remember to switch on your headlights whenever you're behind the wheel.

Here are seven powerful tips to ensure your safety on the roads.

7 Driving Tips to Consider When It Begins to Rain

If you can avoid driving in the rain, then you should. However, if you have no choice but to drive in the rain, check out these helpful tips to keep you and your passengers safe while driving in poor weather conditions.

1. Look Out For Standing Water: Driving through standing water significantly raises the likelihood of hydroplaning. To minimize this risk, proactively avoid water patches by changing lanes or steering around them whenever it's safe to do so.
2. Don’t Accelerate If You Hydroplane: If you find your car hydroplaning, remain calm, ease off the gas pedal, and steer in the direction you intend to go. Avoid making abrupt turns or slamming on the brakes, as these actions can further compromise your control over the vehicle.
3. Keep A Safe Distance From Other Vehicles: Given that your car's reaction time and braking distance are extended in wet conditions, it is important to double the following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. You not only enhance your safety but also prevent water from being splashed onto your windshield by larger vehicles, allowing for better visibility.
4. Avoid Heavy Braking: When driving in the rain, remember to brake gradually for safety. Ease off the accelerator earlier than usual as you approach a stop to allow your car to coast, then apply gentle and gradual braking. For better control, avoid using cruise control and stay more engaged in braking and accelerating your vehicle.
5. Drive Cautiously:When it's raining, it's important to remember to adjust your driving habits. Reduce your speed significantly below the limit to ensure safety. Wet conditions increase stopping distances and the risk of hydroplaning. This is especially important at the start of rainfall when oils on the road mix with water, making the surface even more slippery.
6. Avoid Cruise Control: Modern cars come equipped with the convenience of cruise control. While it performs great in dry conditions, its use in wet conditions can elevate the risk of losing control of the vehicle. To maintain traction, the driver may find it necessary to decrease the car's speed by releasing the accelerator, which is impossible when cruise control is active.
7. Get Your Vehicle Serviced: Before hitting the road, ensure your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers are in top-notch condition. Don't overlook your tires; make sure they have sufficient tread. Worn-out tires perform poorly, especially on wet roads. If you can see the wear bars or the tread is completely worn down, don't wait; replace those tires immediately.

Stop by Barbour-Hendrick Honda Greenville for all your Auto Needs

Remembering to take these safety precautions is essential for staying safe in wet weather. You can significantly lower the risk of an accident by simply reducing your speed and turning on your headlights. Our team at Barbour-Hendrick Honda Greenville will help keep your vehicle serviced and functioning properly to ensure you stay safe on the road. No matter if you’re looking for reliable auto service or you want to shop for a vehicle you can depend on, like the 2024 Honda Civic, visit our dealership in Greenville, NC.