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Wet Weather Driving Tips- Staying Safe Behind the Wheel

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Did you know that more than 700,000 auto accidents each year in the U.S. are rain-related? Whether you live in Illinois or some other part of the country, you can pretty much count on driving in rainy, slick or slushy conditions at some time during the year. Driving in these conditions not only makes it difficult for the tread on your tires to maintain their grip, it also makes it harder to see what’s ahead of you. One Illinois Cadillac dealer agrees that by following these simple wet weather driving tips you can stay safer on the roads during wet and rainy conditions.

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Be Prepared Before You Drive

When rain is in the forecast, there are several things you can do before you even leave your home.

Give Yourself Extra Time

Giving yourself some extra time to get where you need to go will not only be less stressful, it will enable you to drive slowly and carefully. 

Turn On Headlights

Anytime the sun is not shining, your headlights should be turned on. This not only helps you see the road better, it also allows other drivers to see you in inclement weather.

Use the Defrost

Rain and cold can cause your windows to fog up quickly. Go ahead and turn on the defrost and make sure it is working before you begin driving.

Check Your Tires

Wet and slick roads require more grip than normal. Check your tires to ensure you have good tread and the proper amount of air. Plenty of tread and proper inflation will allow your tires to grip the road surface better.

Wet Weather Driving Do’s 

Be Prepared for Slick Driving Conditions

If it has not rained in a while or if it has just started raining, road surfaces will be extra slick due to the oil and grease that has collected over time.

Drive Slowly

Before leaving you allotted yourself some extra time. Use it. Hydroplaning occurs more often at greater speeds, and it is harder to stop the faster you go.

Avoid Standing Water

If you see a large puddle, avoid it. You can use the curb as a way to gauge the depth, but if you are not sure, it’s best to avoid it. 

Avoid running water

Do not attempt to cross rushing water. Not only can you not tell how deep it is, the water could be rushing with enough force to easily pick up your car.

Stay in the middle

Stay as close to the middle of your lane as possible. Many roads have a slightly rounded surface in the middle so water can run off to the sides. Also, try to stay inside the tracks of the car in front of you.

Use Turn Signals Earlier Than Usual

Give drivers a head’s up when you are planning to make a turn by using your signals earlier than you usually would. This will give the drivers behind you extra time to stop. 

Use Brakes Earlier, Too

The same goes for braking. Not only will this give you plenty of stopping room, it will also alert the cars behind you to begin slowing down.

Wet Weather Driving Don’ts 

Do Not Use Cruise Control

You need to be in control of your car at all times when driving in wet weather. Your reaction time is key when driving in all weather conditions, but especially when driving in the rain. Using cruise control turns over much of that control to your car. Did you know that if you were to hydroplane, your car may actually speed up if the cruise control is engage? Stay aware and in control at all times.

Avoid Hitting the Brakes When Hydroplaning

If your car should start to hydroplane your immediate reaction is going to be to stomp on the brakes – do not do this. Instead, slowly remove your foot from the gas pedal and steer straight (do not turn the wheel at all) until your tires regain traction. If you absolutely have to brake, tap them gently. If your car has anti-lock brakes, firmly and slowly depress the brake pedal.

Don’t Keep Driving If You Cannot See

Sometimes it rains so heavily that you can no longer see. If this happens, be sensible. Pull over and wait it out.

Wet Weather Driving Tips: In Conclusion

Don’t let the rain spoil your day. Simple follow these wet weather driving tips and stay safe on the roads.

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