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Chances for car crashes increase when bad weather hits the roads. While you cannot control the climate, there are many steps that can be taken to make driving in the bad weather safer.

Measures to Take Before the Rain Comes

Windshield wipers should be regularly checked for effectiveness. Wiper blades should be replaced around once a year. If your vehicle is older you should consider changing the wiper arms. These metal bars can bend over time, making them less effective.

Keep your tires in good condition. Bald tires do not have the traction necessary to resist hydroplaning. Better tractions results in better water displacement while driving, making your chances of hydroplaning significantly decrease.

Regularly check your vehicle’s headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights.

Tips for driving safely in the rain:

• When you get in the car wipe your feet off on the carpeting or matting of the car to avoid having your feet slip off the pedals.

• Always turn your headlights on in the rain. This will help your vision and it will also help other drivers see you.

• Reduce speed. Reaction times are slower when sight is impaired due to rainfall.

• Water pools in the outer lanes, so staying in the middle lanes can make driving easier.

• Increase your following distance. This will give you flexibility if the car in front of you makes a sudden change in movement.

• Be extra careful when following busses or semi trucks. They can create large amounts of spray which can seriously impair your vision.

• Avoid break usage if possible. Take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.

• Keep your eye out for brake lights ahead.

• Never drive through moving water if you cannot see the road through the water.

• When driving through puddles or pools of water: If the water comes to the bottom of your doors or higher, turn around. Deep water can cause severe damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.

Rainy Roads are Unpredictable

Rainy roads have a great potential for danger. While it is impossible to ensure that other drivers are taking the weather into consideration, it is possible to take measures to protect yourself during inclement weather. By driving at slower speeds and keeping alert you are increasing your ability to react to sudden developments in a timely manner.

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