Driving in the rain is a challenge that all drivers will face at one point or another. If you live in Silver Spring, MD, those odds are high, as we experience 44 inches of rain on average per year! We know rain driving can be daunting, which is why we put together the below safety tips to help you stay prepared and ready.
1. Focus
Perhaps the most important tip for driving in any adverse weather condition is staying alert and focused. Driving can become second nature and monotonous for many, so it’s vital to change your mindset and focus whenever the weather is anything but sunny. Rain can throw off your routine when driving, but as long as you are actively thinking and staying alert, there’s nothing to worry about.
2. Keep it Slow
Speed limits are explicitly designed only for ideal road conditions, so there’s no need to speed up to hit those marks when driving in the rain. It’s crucial to lay off the accelerator and allow more time for your scheduled trips. Even if you’re driving just over 35 miles per hour, you’re at risk for hydroplaning, so staying slow is the best way to ensure your safety.
3. Know What To Do if You Start to Hydroplane
Hydroplaning occurs when your vehicle skids and slides on top of a wet road, causing one to lose control of one’s vehicle. Although hydroplaning can be a scary situation, it’s important not to panic and resist the urge to slam on your brakes. If you ever feel your car start to hydroplane, slowly take your foot off the gas and steer straight until you regain control.
4. Make Sure Your Windshield Wipers Are Working Properly
During months when precipitation is low, it’s easy for drivers to forget about their windshield wipers. That means it’s necessary to check your wipers before the rainy months to ensure they are working as designed. If they are leaving stripes or just don’t clean the glass effectively, it may be time to invest in a replacement.
5. Turn Your Headlights On
In all states, it’s required by law to turn your headlights on any time there are adverse conditions that affect your visibility, and that includes rain. Your headlights help you in two ways: they make it easier for you to see where you’re going, and they make it easier for other drivers to see you.
6. Stay Away from Cruise Control
Although cruise control is a neat function that can help when taking long highway drives, it should always be turned off any time the road conditions are anything less than ideal. This is because cruise control makes it harder to maintain speed on wet and slippery roadways. It’s an easy mistake to make, so make sure that it stays switched off anytime it’s raining.
In addition to staying prepared with the above safety tips, it’s always essential to make sure you’re driving a reliable and safe vehicle. Visit DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring today and schedule a service appointment to ensure your car is in tip-top shape. Or, if it is time for an upgrade, check out our selection of dependable and affordable cars.
Connect with us
