We've all been there--suddenly, the beautiful fall day turns into a downpour of blinding rain so heavy it sounds like hail. Now is not the time to find out that your headlights or windshield wipers are not working. A little common sense preparation and simple moves (such as putting down the cell phone and not taking unnecessary risks) can go a long way to keeping you and all the drivers around you safe in the blinding rain.
Instructions
1. Get your vehicle serviced regularly. Check all the lights, brakes, windshield wipers and tires. Check and replace anything that is not running properly which will only heighten the danger on a stormy day. And make sure your windshield is clean.
2. Replace tires. This is especially important. Your tires are the only part of the vehicle touching the road. Bald tires decrease traction and increase the likelihood of hydroplaning during a deluge.
3. Slow down. Sounds simple enough, but it's all the more crucial during heavy rains. Remember that it will take longer for you to slow down on wet surfaces.
4. Increase following distance. For the same reason as above, keep your distance behind cars so you don't rear-end another vehicle. You can only hope that the person behind you will do the same.
5. Watch out for spray from large vehicles. This spray from a passing vehicle, or one in front of you, can literally blind you in the pouring rain--another reason to keep your distance from that large truck or bus.
6. Drive in the middle lanes. You'll be better off here, because water tends to build up on the outside, which can contribute to hydroplaning. Potholes can also be a problem, so constantly be aware of your surroundings.
7. Stay in the tracks created by the cars in front of you. This will offer some traction on a bad road. If the road is particularly bad, though, stay off of it completely and find another route before you get stuck, the water pools and--worst case scenario--the water causes you to lose control or get swept away in flood-prone areas.
8. Keep your headlights on. This will help both you see and others around you to see your car. This should be practiced no matter what time of day.
9. Test brakes periodically. Going through water can cause the brakes to fade, so you'll want to test the brakes as you're driving by lightly tapping your foot on the brake. Better to figure this out before you can't brake and crash into someone.
10. Keep both hands on the wheel at all times. Now is the time to put your cell phone and your fast food down. You'll want to focus your attention all the more on the road as your visibility will be diminished.
11. Stay calm. If you do hydroplane, maintain your composure, steer in the direction you want to go and lay off the gas. If you have ABS brakes, you can tap the brakes, otherwise you'll want to lift up on the gas pedal. What is important is you don't want to have any sudden movements or changes in driving pattern that will cause you to spin out.
12. Pull off the road. If it gets really bad and you can't see, pull over. Preferably, you'll want a spot that's out of the way, such as a clearing or parking lot. Wherever you stop, make sure you are not impeding traffic so you will not create an even more dangerous situation for those on the road.
Tags: blinding rain, cell phone, keep your distance, make sure, spray from, that will