Driving in the rain can be a bit of a challenge for some drivers, which puts the other drivers on edge with the unpredictability of those drivers and conditions of the wet roads. There are unavoidable scenarios that can prove to be hazardous if techniques are not properly executed in the rain. Remembering some tips, like applying your practiced procedures of traveling downhill on a slick road, is crucial to avoid collisions with other vehicles or structures in your path. With that in mind, we at Citywide Towing would like to share some tips and advice on defensive driving habits that should be applied in rainy weather.
Driving in the Rain at Night
1) Maintain a Safe Distance & Slow Down: Maintaining a safe distance and keeping your speed down go hand in hand. When the roads get wet from the rain, it can make your vehicle hydroplane if you are traveling at exceeded speeds. Always make your turns with caution and at even more reduced speeds; and to minimize your chances of swerving on the slick roads, keep your vehicle under 35 mph. Slowing down is ideal, but in addition to reducing your speed, be more conservative with your following distance than you normally do because the brakes may not be as efficient as usual if you should need to abruptly stop on a slick street.
2) Turn on the Headlights: When driving in the rain, even during the daylight hours, be sure to keep your headlights on. Your visibility is easily hampered with varying degrees of rain; turning on your lights can improve your capability of seeing further down the road. Having your headlights on is imperative for the fellow motorists on the road to increase the visibility to your vehicle through the heavy shrouds of rain. By neglecting the headlights during the rain, you not only impede your own vision, but also those around you. Ensuring the headlights are on only increases your safety.
3) Routinely Inspect Your Parts: Before setting out to drive during rainy weather, check to make sure the featured equipment on your vehicle is operable. If even the most minuscule component is faulty, it can make your vehicle dangerous on the slick roads. At the bare minimum, check your tires for adequate air pressure and any signs of potential damage; having poor tires on slippery surfaces increasing the chances of hydroplaning. After the tires are inspected and you are satisfied with their condition, check the windshield wipers. Over time, windshield wipers eventually deteriorate; defective wipers can significantly alter your visibility.
Towing, Roadside Assistance & More in Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
Taking it slow, mind your distance between other vehicles, flipping on your lights to increase your visibility for yourself and other drivers as well as ensuring the tires and windshield wipers are up to par can increase your safety while driving on potentially dangerous wet roads during rainy weather. If you should run into issues with your vehicle or you unfortunately experience a collision, contact Citywide Towing for our roadside assistance services or our towing options.
