Do’s and Don’ts for Safe Driving in Rainy Weather

While driving in the rain ─ with your significant other while your favorite music plays on the background ─ can give a truly dramatic feeling, like a scene in the movies, there are some people who are not in favor of hitting the road under the heavy downpour. This is because the road becomes more hazardous for most motorists, due to the brake fluid, oil, and other grime that have possibly mixed with the rainwater. With these being present on the road, driving can become even riskier, as your tires could lose traction, which could result in accidents. Although it is true that your auto insurance can actually be of help in times of being involved in car-related accidents, maintaining a safe driving is still better.

In order to keep a safe driving, knowing the things that you must and must not commit before you get and while you are on the road is absolutely important.

Do’s of driving in the rain

1. Plan your route

Planning could actually save you from the hassles of driving, especially during the wet weather. Although one of the best decisions you can make is to wait until the weather clear up, there are some instances wherein there’s nothing you can do to postpone your scheduled trip or meeting. In cases like this, checking traffic updates is a must as it can guide you as to which roads you should avoid.

2. Check your car regularly

Regardless of the make and model of your car, regular maintenance is needed in order to keep your vehicle on top condition. Since your car gives you the pleasure by letting you go to different destinations, it is just right to return the favor by making it habit to regularly check your car, most especially the essential parts including windscreen wipers, tires, headlights and taillights, engine, and brakes.

3. Be alert on the road

When driving, especially under the bad weather condition, being alert is an absolute must! Given that the road becomes more hazardous, better yet be mindful of other drivers, specifically those in front of you for they might make an abrupt movement that can put you and the other motorists at risk. Also, make sure to provide the proper signals in case you are turning or changing lanes.

Don’ts of driving in the rain

1. Drive on standing water

One of the common mistakes most drivers do is underestimating the standing water on the road with the thought that it could only be few centimeters deep. But, what you think is just shallow might actually be large puddles, and the next thing you will know is your car is already hydroplaning. In order to avoid unlikely situations, be sure to slow down or, if you can simply avoid driving on standing water.

2. Turn on your hazard lights

In case you don’t know yet, turning your hazard lights on, whether it is intentional or not, may cause a serious accident. This is because your vehicle is not able to indicate that the direction changes, at the same time, other drivers can’t tell whether your car is moving or stopped/disabled. If there are lights that need to be turned on, it should be the headlights and taillights; not the hazard lights.

3. Act like you own the road

Given that you share the roads with other motorists and pedestrians, there’s no reason for you to act as you own it. Although it is understandable that everyone is battling the rain, it would be better to keep a safe driving; do not cut anyone off, drive faster and/or splash pedestrians.

Whether you’re an old or new driver, it is important to keep these tips in mind in order to keep safe driving.

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