Driving Safety Tips

Rain Can Hurt You
Streaky windshields, night glare and pounding rain can considerably reduce a driver's ability to see. Wet pavements, covered with road film or spotted with oil, grease and dirt make quick stops impossible. During dry periods a layer of residue builds up on the highway surface and when it rains, the residue loosens forming a slick film on the road. Wet roads may double the required stopping distance.

Another factor affecting the ability to stop is tire hydroplaning. At certain speeds, tires lift off the pavement to be supported by water alone—an effect similar to a water skier zipping across a lake.

When driving in the rain, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Check your wipers. Rubber wiper blades deteriorate when exposed to sun or temperature extremes.
   
   
2. Turn your lights on. With good wipers and defrosters you may see others, but can they see you? Use your low beams. You'll be seen by pedestrians and other vehicles. Never drive with only your parking lights burning.
   
   
3. Watch surface conditions. Even though the rain has stopped, the streets may remain slippery. Traffic statistics indicate that high accident rates often continue for three to four hours after the rain stops.
   
   
4. Beware of deep puddles. Check your braking ability immediately after driving through deep water. Some wet brakes will dry by repeat pumping of the pedal or dragging your brakes for a moment or two.
   
   
5. Slow down. Reduce your speed on wet roads. Beware of hydroplaning on high speed expressways. You may lose ability to steer as well as your ability to brake. Safety experts estimate that it takes a heavy rain a half hour to wash away the oil slick and a lighter rain takes longer.

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