We Floridians didn’t need a study to tell us driving in the rain is dangerous, but now we have one. The Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society found even light rain significantly increases your risk of a fatal car crash. The wetter the roads, the deadlier they become, increasing the risk of a deadly car crash by 34%. Follow these steps and drive safely rain or shine . . .
- Slow down. It really does take longer to stop in wet weather than dry. It’s hard to drive slow on roads you’re familiar with…but do it anyway.
- Maintain proper following distance [i.e. the 3 second rule needs to be increased to maybe 5 or 6 seconds].
- Drive in the tracks of the car in front of you. But don’t follow a truck or bus too closely. You may feel safer, but the spray from their large tires reduces your vision. For that reason, be especially careful when passing.
- Avoid using your brakes when possible. Much better is slowing down by taking your foot off the accelerator.
- Replace your old or brittle wipers…they are not very expensive.
- Do you check your tires before they go flat? Then you were probably a great boy or girl scout because almost no one does. Displaced water on the road goes through your tires treads…no treads and your bald tires cause you to ride on top of the water, just like a boat. Driving a boat on the roadways is not safe!
- If you’re in a skid, stay calm if you can, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
- Use the fast lane in wet weather. There are fewer cars and less oil deposited. Because of the built-in slope of the road, water drains towards the slower lanes. When possible, avoid changing lanes.
- Wet brakes are a hazard. If they become saturated, drive slowly and brake lightly to generate enough heat to dry them out.