RAINY DAY’S AHEAD

Here are some tips to drive safely in the rain!

We know that sometimes driving in the rain is inevitable, the key is to be prepared and to check your vehicle. Here are some tips to ensure you are ready for any rainy day.

1.  Check your windshield wipers before you go.
   1. If your windshield wipers are skipping, streaking or are coming apart, replace them before driving in the rain.
2. Check to make sure your lights work properly.
   1. You will want to make sure all of your lights, headlights, day running, blinkers, braking and back up lights. Your lights will be your biggest ally to ensure your vehicle is visible in the low light conditions of foggy and raining weather.
3.  Turn on your defroster.
   1. When the temperature inside of the car is warmer than that outside temperature, it can cause fog and condensation to pool on the windows, turning on your defrost will help to bring the temperature of the windows to allow you to see clearly. Your vehicle may also have a rear defrost that can be used independently of front windshield defrost.
4.  Turn your lights on, not your brights.
   1. Using your brights in the rain can cause reflection on the rain and reduce visibility for not only you, but others on the road as well. To keep yourself and your fellow drivers safe, use your low lights for best visibility.
5. Stay away from flooded areas.
   1. Flooded areas cause a big splash, but the dangers of your tires losing traction and increasing the risk of hydroplaning is risk no one wants to take.
6. Maintain a safe distance between cars.
   1. Everyone on the road has somewhere to go, and usually, on a time limit. Slowing down and maintaining a safe distance is the fastest way to get where you are going safely.
7. Make sure your vehicle is safe to drive.
   1. Preventative care before the rainy season is the best preparation. Don’t forget to check your tires for tread and any possible damage.
8. Avoid heavy braking.
   1. When driving in wet conditions, the brakes are moistened by the rain water, thus decreasing their stopping efficiency.
9. Let off the gas when Hydroplaning.
   1. If you find yourself caught in a hydroplane, remain calm, and release the gas. It is important to not slam on the brakes, but instead pump the brakes to slow down and wait until you regain traction.
10. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.