Driving your car when it's raining heavily is quite dangerous. It can cause a dramatic reduction in visibility, thereby causing crashes. The best way to ignore these unfortunate incidents is by turning on your lights and keeping your windshield wipers in perfect condition. If the windshield wipers are aged, then you should get them replaced before monsoon approaches. Severe weather demands your undivided attention! Ensure that you don't have any distractions around by turning the radio down and stowing your phone. This will help you keep your attention entirely on the road. Moreover, sometimes you should avoid driving altogether and stay off the way until the weather clears.
Here are a few tips for driving in the rain:
Keep your windshield wipers in excellent condition
Regular use and extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on your blades. Therefore, it is essential you get them checked before rainy seasons arrive.
Defog your windows
During rains, your windshield quickly fogs up. Don't worry! It is a natural phenomenon; however, you can avoid it by turning on the front and rear defrosters to maximize visibility.
Turn your lights on
It is the most essential and first step you should take when you are driving, and it starts raining heavily. Turn the headlights on as it will help you see clearly and also helps other vehicles see you.
Grip the steering wheel with both your hands to enhance control
Put down your phone, coffee, makeup, sandwich, shaver, or anything else that captures your hands and concentration while driving. Keep your focus and eyes on the road.
Slow down
Long drives and monsoon are the perfect packages. You would want to accelerate and overtake. But, remember that tires lose traction on wet streets and vehicles become more difficult to handle.
Drive inline with the vehicles in front of you
Don't break the line in front of you and overtake. Keeping inline allows the vehicles ahead to displace any standing water that's on the road.
Increase your subsequent distance
Wet brakes, slick roads, and decreased visibility can lead to accidents. Maintain a safe distance between you and other vehicles and brake early with reduced force.
Avoid standing water on roadways
Standing water shield potholes and patches on the roads, which reduces the effectiveness of your vehicle's brakes. You can also hydroplane and lose control while impairing your vision and others as well by splashing water on them through puddles.
Don't use cruise control
Avoid using the cruise control as it can cause your car to accelerate when hydroplaning, thereby reducing your attentiveness.
Avoid your car from hydroplaning
If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, do not brake or turn the wheel abruptly. This may cause your vehicle to go into a skid or spin. Keep the wheel straight until your car retrieves traction. Brake gently if needed.
While driving in rains, it is essential to have extra time. Leave the house at least half an hour to an hour earlier and avoid rash driving. Even though we want everything to go fine, it is impossible to stop the inevitable. Hence, we advise you to insure your car with a comprehensive car insurance policy. There are several add-on covers that you can buy with car insurance to secure your vehicle from several untoward circumstances.
