We all know that Spring weather can be wet and wild. Severe thunderstorms can pop up out of nowhere and can make driving conditions dangerous. There are around 1,260,000 weather-related accidents every year, so it's very important to follow these five tips to make sure you are driving as safely as possible.
Never Use Cruise Control When It's Raining
You should never use cruise control when it's raining. It should be obvious, but many people still do it. Same goes for when it's snowing or icy. If you lose traction, cruise control will apply more throttle to maintain the appropriate speed. Doing so can cause a serious accident where your car drives you into an accident.
Drive More Carefully When It's Raining
When it's raining, make sure to drive as cautiously as possible. Don't go twenty miles an hour under the speed limit because that's also unsafe. Instead, drive like you had a newborn baby in the passenger seat.
Double check your blind spots. Don't swerve in and out of traffic. Make sure your headlights are turned on. Leave extra room between you and the cars around you when stopping or turning. In poor visibility conditions being extra cautious can be an actual life-saver.
Make Sure Your Wipers Are In Good Condition
Windshield wipers are essential for driving safely in bad weather. Many people agree that you should change your wipers at least every six months, to be safe. If your wipers are cracked or do not clear water, ice, or slush from your windshield, it's time to change them. Being able to see out of your windshield and other drivers on the road is worth the $20.
Allow More Time For Your Travel
It's easy to drive more aggressively when you're in a hurry to get to your destination. This can spell disaster when it's rainy and wet. Before you leave your house, take two deep breaths, count to ten, and then embark.
Drive with a calm demeanor being careful to leave extra time to get where you are going. Driving aggressively or speeding during bad weather could be a fatal mistake.
If You Hydroplane, Don't Overreact
Hydroplaning is a scary scenario while driving in the rain. Hydroplaning is when the front wheels of the car no longer have contact with the road. This means you have no way to steer the car. If you start hydroplaning, don't panic. Don't brake, or accelerate quickly. Make small adjustments only until you can regain control over the vehicle.
