With the fall season in full swing, you should expect to find yourself on the road in the rain every now and again. It’s not preferred, but there are times when you have no choice but to contend with inclement weather.
Here are three things you can do to improve your safety when driving in heavy fall rain:
- Slow down and take your time: The faster you drive the greater chance there is of hydroplaning, thus losing control of your vehicle and increasing the risk of an accident. Leave enough time in your schedule that you never feel like you’re in a rush.
- Use your headlights: Your headlights allow you to more easily see the road ahead and other vehicles. They also help to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.
- Give yourself more time to stop: It’s more difficult to stop your vehicle on slick roads, so leave a few extra seconds of following time. This is a good rule to follow no matter if you’re moving along nicely at highway speeds or sitting in stop and go traffic.
If you’re not comfortable driving in heavy rain, move your car to safety and wait out the storm. This may stop you from timely reaching your destination, but it also eliminates the risk of being part of a car accident.
In the event of a crash, focus your immediate attention on your health and well-being. Once you receive treatment, you can contact your insurance company and determine the best way to hold the negligent driver responsible for your injuries and other damages.
