Driving in the rain can be a harrowing experience, especially if you’re caught in a sudden downpour. If you’re in the middle of a rainstorm & need to get somewhere, don’t panic. Stay calm and focused, avoid hard braking or acceleration, use your signals, and don’t drive in flooded areas.
We understand it’s not easy to stay cool while driving in a sudden rain storm, but following these tips might help you get to your destination safely.
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Drive Slowly
This should be a no-brainer, but driving too fast in the rain is one of the leading causes of accidents. Rain makes the roads slick and decreases visibility, so it’s essential to slow down and take your time. It would be best if you drive even slower than the standard speed limit when it’s raining.
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Increase Your Following Distance
Braking on wet roads takes longer, so you’ll need a little extra time to come to a complete stop. You should set the gap between yourself and the car in front of you to no less than four seconds. This will give you plenty of time to apply the brake if someone in front of you suddenly slows down or stops.
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Use Your Headlights
Visibility is decreased during a rainstorm, so turning your headlights on is essential. This will help you and other drivers see the road better. Although you want your headlights on, you should avoid using your high beams. The light reflecting off of the rain can make it harder to see.
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Don’t Drive Through Large Puddles.
There’s no way to tell how deep a puddle is, so it’s best to avoid driving through them if possible. If you can’t avoid a puddle, drive slowly so you don’t create a big splash. This could blind other drivers and make it difficult for them to see the road.
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Be Extra Cautious Around Large Vehicles
Trucks and buses tend to splash water on the road when they drive through puddles. This could easily blind you, so it’s important to be careful when driving behind or next to one of these vehicles.
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Watch Out for Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning can happen when you’re driving too fast or if there’s water on the road. If you start to hydroplane, gently take your foot off the gas pedal and steer in the direction you want to go. Let go of the brake pedal as it could cause you to lose control of your vehicle!
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Don’t Use Cruise Control.
On wet roads, cruise control might allow you to lose control of your vehicle; therefore, it’s best to avoid using it. Cruise control may make it tough to slow down gradually and can cause hydroplaning!
By keeping these tips in mind, you can safely navigate through the rain to your destination in your car!
If you’re anticipating rain, bring your car to our dealership’s car service center in Arizona for inspection and maintenance services! We want your vehicle to be in tip-top shape, so it doesn’t break down while you’re stuck in the rain!
Please don’t wait any further and book your slot at Yuma Honda, serving Yuma, Arizona, now!
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