As more rain is in the forecast for our area, road and driving conditions will be greatly affected.

The following are some rainy weather driving tips:

Avoid driving if possible!  You may be a very safe driver but what about the people around you?  Driving on rainy days is dangerous so avoid it if you can.  If you must drive, keep your trips to a minimum to reduce your chances of being involved in a collision and check traffic reports frequently to see if your route is affected by flooding, traffic collisions or road closures.

Slow down – it takes approximately three times longer to stop in wet weather.  Plus the faster you drive, the greater the chances of hydroplaning! Slow down. As your speed decreases, the tire footprint (the amount of the tire's tread contacting the road surface) increases, providing better traction. You also reduce the risk of hydroplaning should you run into deeper water puddled on the road.

Check your wipers. Install new wiper blades at least once a year to ensure good vision.

Turn on your headlights (low beams) when driving on foggy or rainy days, and slow down. It will help you see better and it will help other drivers see you!
Increase your following distance and watch for brake lights ahead. Maintain a safe distance. Even with a good wet weather tire, be prepared for longer stopping distances on wet pavement. Since other cars may not have proper tires for wet weather driving, be extra alert at stop signs and red lights.

Drive slowly through any puddle of uncertain depth.  That way if it’s deeper than you thought, you can still back out!

Never drive through moving water if you can’t see the ground through it – you could be swept right off the road!

Go smoothly. When braking, accelerating or turning, avoid jerky - abrupt movements.

Avoid hydroplaning. If you feel your vehicle starting to hydroplane (riding on the surface of the water), take your foot off the accelerator -- don't hit your brakes. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the vehicle slow down until control is regained.  

Plan your braking. If you are entering a curve slow down and brake gently before you start to turn.

“El Protector"