Traveling on a Wet Day: Overlooked Safety Tips to Remember

It’s no secret rainy weather can create more hazardous driving conditions. The decreased traction and diminished visibility require you to use more caution. Here are some tips to help keep you safe.

Reduce Your Speed

According to a personal injury lawyer, many weather-related car accidents can be prevented. When driving on wet pavement, it’s especially important to reduce your speed. Even if the posted speed limit is 65 mph, don’t hesitate to drive at a steady speed of 55 mph. During a powerful thunderstorm, motorists should drive at an even slower pace. The rain-soaked pavement makes it harder for your vehicle to main good traction. You also must prepare to encounter standing water in the road.

Pay More Attention

When facing rainy weather, be sure to crank up your attention. Your complete concentration needs to remain on the road at all times. Avoid distracting things like talking on the phone and blasting the stereo system. It’s also a good idea to obtain a more confident driving position. This means you’ll need to sit upright with both hands on the steering wheel. Although cruise control can be a great convenience on long stretches of highway, avoid using it during the rain. Most importantly, keep an eye out for motorists who are driving recklessly. Keeping your head high will enable you to quickly to check for other vehicles.

Turn on Your Headlights

Turning on your headlights will make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. Furthermore, the law requires you to activate your headlights when driving on a rainy day. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a good idea to use your high beams in heavy rain. This is especially true at night. The surface water could reflect the bright light back into your eyes, thus causing momentary blindness.