Driving in rain with the right vehicle can feel effortless, but some storms seemingly come out of nowhere and can create hazardous conditions. For those times, you need to be prepared even if you are driving a vehicle that can hold its own on a slippery road. If driving when it’s raining out sends you into a panic, you can follow some tips to help you stay calm, avoid a collision, and safely make it to your destination.
1. Slow Down
This may seem like an obvious tip, but many drivers don’t realize that wet weather requires slower speeds. Speeding or even maintaining the speed limit can be hazardous during certain types of rainstorms, and not only that, going too fast in the rain can pose a risk to you and those around you. The best way to remain in control of your vehicle and avoid others who aren’t is to drive slowly.
2. Don’t Be Afraid To Pull Over
If you experience the type of rain that is the equivalent of a whiteout in a blizzard, it can be stressful, to say the least. If the rain is impairing your vision to the point that you can’t see in front of you, don’t be afraid to pull over. Find somewhere like a parking lot, gas station, or any other safe location so you can wait out the storm and get back on the road when the rain lightens up.
3. Create Distance Between You and Other Vehicles
Rainstorms are not the time for tailgating. One of the best ways to maintain your safety while driving through a rainstorm is to create space between you and the vehicle in front of you. While you cannot control the vehicle behind you, you can avoid what’s in front of you and when you give yourself enough space, you will be better able to avoid a collision.
4. Use Your Hazard Lights
Hazard lights warn other drivers that you are going slower for a reason, but they can also be helpful in the rain. If a torrential downpour begins to impair the vision of drivers all around you, hazard lights can give them a way to see your vehicle, better judge the distance between the two of you, and create space so that everyone stays as safe as possible until the rain lightens up.
5. Use Your Driving Modes Wisely
Vehicles equipped with driving modes have them for a reason and if your vehicle has a driving mode designed to help you travel through wet weather, use it. This will help keep your car stable on the road, avoid hydroplaning, and make you feel more confident in your driving. Driving modes are designed to help your vehicle drive in the worst conditions, especially slippery ones caused by any amount of rain.
If you need a vehicle that can better handle every kind of weather, from the heat to the torrential downpours, we can help. Visit us today at Flood Mazda to find a vehicle that can handle the rain, the sleet, the snow, or whatever else comes your way.
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