9 Wet Weather Driving Tips

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According to AAA, wet pavement contributes to 1.2 million traffic crashes annually. However, there are steps you can take to help you avoid a similar situation.

9 Tips for Safe Driving in Wet Weather

  1. Maintenance Check – Before you even leave the driveway, you should check to make sure that your windshield wipers are working properly and don’t leave streaks — change the blades if necessary. Also, check that your taillights, break lights, headlights and turn signals are operating correctly so other drivers can see you in the rain. Also check your tire pressure once a month – including your spare — to ensure proper inflation.
  2. Lights! – Turn your headlights ON when you are driving in the rain, even in the daytime.
  3. Defroster ON – To keep your windows from fogging up – turn your window defroster ON.
  4. Speed Check – You cannot drive as fast in the rain as you can when the pavement is dry, so use your common sense and slow down. If you fail to slow down you are at a higher risk of hydroplaning, which is when the car’s tires lose contact with the road and rise up on a film of water. To reduce your chances of hydroplaning: slow down, drive in the vehicle’s tracks in front of you, and avoid turning sharply or braking hard.
  5. If You Do Hydroplane – Gently ease your foot off the gas and don’t try to steer. Just slow down and wait until your car begins to resume contact with the road again.
  6. Extra Space, in Middle – Drive in the middle lanes where the water doesn’t pool as much, allow extra space between you and other other vehicles, and stay away from large trucks/buses that can splash water onto your windshield.
  7. No Cruising – Don’t use Cruise Control in wet weather. If your accelerator is engaged while you are driving on wet pavement, you are at a higher risk of losing traction and losing control of the vehicle.
  8. If You’re Skidding –If you do find yourself skidding, stay calm. Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on your brakes.
  9. Flooding Water – Never drive into water when you don’t know its depth.

How to easily check your tire treads? Take a quarter and place it upside down in the groove of a tire tread. If you can see above George Washington’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.

If it’s raining so hard that you can’t see, the safest thing to do is to pull over and wait out the rainstorm in a safe area. If you don’t have to drive in the rain, it’s best just to stay at home.

Infiniti of Cool Springs offers a variety of New and Certified Pre-owned vehicles at its Cool Springs location, that will help keep your family comfortable and safe. Visit their showroom in person or see their vehicles online. Call today to make an appointment, 888-356-6427.