With rainy weather back in our forecast, it’s a good time to review
rainy weather driving tips. The folks at the Transportation Agency for
Monterey County are sharing these tips from Smart Motorist, a nonprofit
automobile safety organization.
* First and foremost - slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
* Stay toward the middle lanes - did you know water tends to pool in the outside lanes?
* Always maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule), but allow more room
during wet weather.
* Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.
* Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires
reduces your vision.
* Be more alert.
* Avoid using your brakes; if possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow
down.
* Turn on your headlights in light rain,
gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not
only do they help you see the road, but
they'll help other drivers see you.
* Replace old or brittle wipers once a year.
* Never drive beyond the limits of visibility.
* Never drive through moving water if you can't
see the ground through it.
* When driving through a puddle of uncertain
depth, go slow. If it's deeper than the bottom of
your doors, turn around and find another route.
Deep water can cause serious damage to a car's
electrical system.
* If possible, stay off the road during heavy
thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can
temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the
accompanying high winds and heavy rain can
create deadly driving conditions.
* Make sure the soles of your shoes are dry to
prevent slipping off pedals.
* Make sure tires are in good condition. Bald
tires reduce traction and place you in danger
of hydroplaning.
* Watch out for oily deposits on the road. The
rain blends with oil and rubber-dust deposits
on the road surface to form a highly
dangerous skid mixture.
* If you find yourself in a skid, remain calm.
Ease your foot off the gas and carefully
steer in the direction you want the front of
the car to go. This procedure, known as
‘steering into the skid,’ will bring the back
end of your car in line with the front. For
cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using
your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake
firmly as you steer into the skid.
