We all wish for nice, dry, warm weather when we drive, but
unfortunately that's not always the case. What happens when you encounter a
rainstorm? Are you prepared? Is your car in good enough shape to drive in the
rain? Here are 5 tips that will help you drive in the rain:
- Make sure you check your tires. If you have a thread depth gauge, GREAT, but many people don't. You should try the “penny test.” Insert a penny into the tire tread grooves with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires are at 2/32nds of an inch or less of remaining tread. You need new tires immediately!
- Check your windshield wipers. Windshield wipers should be changed every 6 months. Skipping, splitting, streaking, or squeaking decreases driver's visibility and should be changed immediately. A clean windshield will reduce ware on the windshield wipers.
- Take your time! Once you are in the vehicle ready to drive, take your time. Give yourself extra time, and drive slower than usual to avoid hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is to skim on water and lose traction of your vehicle.
- Turn on your headlights. In many states it it is required by law to drive with your headlights on. This helps driver's visibility, time, and space. Not only will this help you, but this will help other drivers spot you in the rain.
- Increase your following distance. The optimal following distance for safe driving is 3-4 seconds. You should increase following distance by one second per adverse condition. In a rainstorm 3-4 seconds will increase to 5-6 seconds.
By
following these safe driving tips, you will avoid hydroplaning, and ending up
in S-Town. These tips could also keep you from getting a ticket and ending up
in traffic school.
