Driving on Wet Roads

Safety is a big part of being behind the wheel. If you aren’t careful you could injure yourself or others. As the seasons change so do the driving safety rules.

The summer season is known for producing those bad thunderstorms which can dump a great deal of rain on an area in a short period of time. As a result, hydroplaning is common during thunderstorms. So be careful. Just like in the winter, if you go into a skid and your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brakes and turn in the direction of the skid. Do not pump the brakes. Also, it is always important to take it easy on the brakes when stopping. Save your tread for hugging the curves instead.

Along with summer, the fall season can also bring those pesky downpours and rainstorms. Always remember that stopping on wet roads can take up to four times the normal distance. During a downpour be sure to slow down, otherwise your tires may lose their grip on the road. Rain water that mixes with oil, mud, or even wet leaves on the streets can cause slippery conditions and may result in unexpected skidding. Be careful and watch for leaf covered streets.