April showers bring May flowers, or so the popular rhyme goes. It carries a grain of truth. Springtime often brings rainy conditions to our communities. Though we need the rain, we could do without the hazardous conditions it might create. Still, slippery surfaces are just part of the package.
Driving in the rain means you face hazards you wouldn’t ordinarily face in dry conditions. These might include slick surfaces, road flooding and limited visibility. The wrong move by drivers might lead to accidents, injuries and car insurance claims.
Safe Driving Tips for Rainy Weather
When the clouds roll into your area, make sure you take extra care when you hit the road. By knowing how rain impacts your local roadways, you can take precautions.
- Before leaving home, check your tires and brakes. If your tires have worn tread or low pressure, they cannot grip the road correctly. If you lose control because of bad tires, you have a higher risk of wrecking on wet roads. In wet conditions, proper stability is critical.
- Use your headlights when driving. In many states, it is the law to turn them on in rainy conditions. Turning on your lights can improve your own line of sight and make you more visible to others.
- In severe downpours, many drivers engage their high-beam lights or emergency flashers. These actions, again, can alert other drivers of your presence on the road.
- Never speed on wet roads. The faster you go, the less reaction time and overall control you have on the vehicle. Often, it is a good idea to drive below the speed limit in severe rain.
- Look out for accumulations of water on roadways. Remember, you likely cannot tell how deep standing water is. This means you run the risk of becoming stuck, sinking your vehicle, or hydroplaning. Usually, it is best to go around puddles or streams rather than drive through them. If you must drive through standing water, do so at your own risk.
- Don't let the rain become a distraction. Keep both hands on the wheel and avoid distractions like music or mobile devices. Focus your attention on the road, and pay attention to other drivers.
If you experience an accident on wet roads, your Dublin car insurance might come in handy. Your collision coverage might help you pay for vehicle damage. Your liability coverage can help you compensate third parties who get hurt in an accident that was your fault. Therefore, carrying extensive coverage is your safest bet. Still, even if you have a lot of coverage, don’t let that stop you from being as careful as possible when driving in the rain.