Safety tips for driving in the rain

Rain is one of the worst weather conditions for many drivers. The U.S Department of Transportation claims that nearly 1,235,000 road accidents occur due to bad weather conditions each year. Forty-six percent of these accidents happen during rainfall, while seventy percent occur due to wet roads.

However, these accidents can be reduced to some extent if drivers follow certain safety tips while they’re on the road while it’s raining. What are these safety tips, though? Let’s explore.

5 Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain

Here are five safety tips to keep in mind while driving in the rain:

1. Stay Vigilant

It’s no secret that being vigilant is one of the most important safety tips to follow while driving in the rain. It’s advised to stay focused and pay close attention to your surroundings when the weather conditions are not ideal.

In addition to that, be extra cautious with merging lanes. Make sure you drive defensively, check around your vehicle, and take precautions when passing other vehicles to avoid merging collisions.

2. Know the Roads

Roads are built to tackle different weather conditions in different parts of the country. Therefore, you need to exercise extra caution during or after a storm if you’re driving in a relatively new area. This is vital because, in many southern states of the U.S, roads can look completely dry after the rain, but they’re not.

Also, consider your route before starting the journey. If it has underpasses or low-lying bridges prone to flooding, it’s better to take the toll-free highway instead.

3. Slow Down

There’s no doubt wet roads are the most difficult to drive on. When it rains, it merges with the layers of grease and oil spills on the roads, making them extremely slippery. Drive defensively and reduce your speed to below the average speed limit.

In addition to that, avoid using cruise control. It might take a second or two to turn off the cruise control and take control of your car – those seconds can be crucial, though.

4. Turn on the Headlights

According to the law, all states require headlights to be on during rainfall or bad weather when the visibility is low. Additionally, many states require drivers to turn on their headlights when the windshield wipers are on during bad weather conditions, regardless of the visibility.

5. Be Wary of Debris on the Road

It’s no secret that heavy rain can wash debris like stones and mud onto the road, while storms can even cut down branches of trees or, sometimes, even entire trees. Heavy rainfall can also wash out pieces of pavement that lead to deep holes.

In such circumstances, be vigilant and drive at a slow speed. Also, if you see any signs of danger, pull off the road immediately.

The Final Verdict

Rain is one of the worst weather conditions to drive on, with nearly forty-six percent of accidents occurring during rainfall every year. Several precautions can help motorists drive safely when the weather conditions are not ideal. Salt Lake City Towing is a 24/7 towing service you can opt for if you’re stuck in bad weather and your vehicle requires towing in order to move forward.