Tips for Staying Safe While Navigating Rainy Roadways

It’s just a drizzle or a light thunderstorm, how dangerous can the rain really be? The answer: more than you might think. In even a light rain you’re likely to experience greatly reduced visibility, reduced traction, and increased difficulty in handling your car both normally and in emergency situations.

What are you supposed to do when you need to be somewhere, but it’s raining or just finished raining? Here are some tips to help you get from point A to point B safely:
•    Make yourself visible: Any rain falling at the moment, or spray from the tires of other cars around you can really reduce how far you can see. Make it easier for others to see you by turning your lights on.
•    Slow down: If you’ve ever hydroplaned, you know how terrifying it can be. This occurs when the front tires of your vehicle are riding on a film of water instead of the actual road, causing a loss of control. If something like this happens, ease off the throttle and apply the brakes smoothly while keeping the wheel pointed straight. Slowing down greatly reduces the chance of hydroplaning.
•    Give yourself room to operate: When roads are wet and you have less traction, it’ll take much longer to stop. Cars typically need about three times the distance to stop when it’s wet out, so leave yourself some room.
•    Keep up with your maintenance: Nothing is worse than being caught in a surprise rainstorm with windshield wipers that are worn out, or tires that need to be replaced. Pay attention to these items, they could potentially save your life.

Regardless of how much of a rush you’re in to get somewhere, nothing is worth putting your life and the life of those around you at risk. Take your time getting where you’re headed when the weather is bad. Make sure not to be caught with inadequate insurance coverage in the unfortunate situation that an accident should happen. Give the insurance experts at the Corkhill Insurance Agency or call at 407-898-8891 today for a free quote.