Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain
Yes, sometimes the weather is hot, suddenly it rains. Or the weather is hot, suddenly snowing. For us sometimes can't concentrate on driving, because the rain is very heavy, and can interfere with visibility in driving Edit.
But do not worry, helergon.com has summarized some tips, that may be able to provide a solution for you, can drive when heavy rain comes.
After averaging 10 years of statistics, NHTSA researchers found that 46 percent of weather-related crashes happened during rainfall, but just 17 percent while it was snowing or sleeting. Those statistics are partially explained, of course, by the fact that many drivers have the good sense to stay home during a bad snowstorm, says Debbie Hersman, president, and CEO of the National Safety Council, which offers defensive driving courses. But the statistics also reflect a sobering truth, she says: Drivers often do not respect the rain and fail to adjust their driving habits to hazardous conditions.
Here is how to reduce the chances of being a rainy day statistic, according to safety experts.
Slow down: Driving too fast for conditions is especially dangerous on wet pavement because your tires lose traction with the precipitation, Van Tassel says. "When roadways are wet, the friction is reduced between the tire and the road,'' Hersman adds. No friction is a bad thing. Tires are meant to grip the roads, not slide on them.
How much does traction decline in wet weather? "You might lose about one-third of your traction," Van Tassel says. And that figure is why this recommendation makes sense: Reduce your speed by about a third when it's wet or rainy. If the speed limit is 55 mph, aim for under 40 mph. "That is not a hard statistic but a rule of thumb," he says.
Back off: Forget the old rule about keeping a certain number of car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you, Van Tassel says. Focus on staying 3-4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you in dry conditions. Watch the vehicle in front of you as it passes a fixed marker, such as a street light, he says. Then count 3 seconds. Add more time if it's raining, staying about 5 seconds behind.
For each additional driving challenge, add another second, Van Tassel says. If it's raining and you are driving at night, you should aim to be 6 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
If possible — and in heavy traffic, it might not always be — try to keep from being boxed in by cars in the lanes on either side of you, Van Tassel says. If you have space on either side of your car, you have an easy out in case the vehicle ahead of you stops suddenly.
Know when to lean on technology, and when not to: "While some technologies are not advisable for use during bad weather, others can help," Hersman says. Do not depend on cruise control, adaptive cruise control, or forward collision warning systems during the rain, she says. Wet weather may affect the systems' sensors and reduce their reliability, she says.
Even adaptive cruise control, which is an advanced version of cruise control and maintains a set speed and a safe following distance, is not recommended during rainy weather, Van Tassel says.
Here's why: When you're driving without cruise control and you see a hazard, you lift your foot off the gas pedal as you prepare to brake. As you come off the gas, the nose of the car starts to dip a bit, transferring some weight to the front. This provides more traction on the front tires. But if you have cruise control on, your speed remains constant after you lift off the gas. There is no dip. You lose that helpful early weight transfer.
On the other hand, a traction-control feature is tailor-made for rainy days. "It prevents the wheels from slipping on wet pavement and helps the driver maintain control when stopping or accelerating in the rain," Hersman says.
Antilock braking systems (ABS) are meant to prevent the loss of steering control during hard braking, particularly on wet and slippery roads. ABS is a component of electronic stability control (ESC), which has been required on new cars beginning with the 2012 model year. Electronic stability control, which helps stabilize your vehicle when it starts to veer off the intended path, can be valuable in wet weather as well, Hersman says.
Van Tassel sees anti-skid control and lane-keeping assist features as being potentially useful in the rain. "Anti-skid control is a bit more advanced than traction control," he says. "Traction control helps prevent the drive wheels from spinning when you apply the gas (as when trying to get a car moving from a stop in snow or ice). Anti-skid control actually helps prevent front-wheel or rear-wheel skids when you are driving through a turn (regardless of whether the surface is dry or slick)."
However, like other technical features, these should be viewed as a backup, he says. The best advice for a rainy day when it comes to advanced vehicle technologies is to "just pretend they are not there," he says.
When You Hydroplane
Suppose your car hydroplanes, which can be a terrifying experience. Hydroplaning happens when the tires are riding on top of a layer of water and have completely lost contact with the pavement. It can happen when your speed is as little as 35 mph. You will know when it happens. "Steering will get light in your hands," Van Tassel says.
"Gently ease your foot off the gas," he advises. "This may transfer enough weight forward so that your front tires regain contact with the road."
If not, he says, gently squeeze your brakes to slow the vehicle down and transfer weight to the front tires. Steering will not really be possible since the tires are riding on a film of water.
"We don't recommend turning the wheel in a hydroplaning situation," he says. "If you have some steering 'dialed in' when the front tires finally do regain traction, you might immediately steer right off the road. Obviously, that's not a good thing."
If you do start to skid, don't turn into the skid, regardless of what you've heard. "Continue to look and steer where you want to go," Van Tassel says. This strategy works for both front and rear skids.
Getting Comfortable With Scary Situations
Some wet-weather driving emergencies can be handled by an application of common sense. Others require something more, such as practicing driving techniques that can save your life. Consider taking an advanced driving training class. But whatever else you do, begin with the simplest life-saver of all: Slow down when the rain starts to fall.
FAQ: Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain
1. Why is driving in the rain more dangerous?
Driving in the rain reduces visibility and can make roads slick, increasing the risk of accidents. Water can create hydroplaning, where tires lose contact with the road.
2. What should I do before driving in the rain?
Check your vehicle: Ensure wipers, lights, and brakes are functioning properly.
Inspect tires: Make sure they have adequate tread and are properly inflated.
3. How can I maintain visibility while driving in the rain?
Use headlights: Turn on your headlights to improve visibility for yourself and others.
Clear wiper blades: Ensure wipers are clean and replace them if they are worn.
4. What speed should I drive in the rain?
Reduce your speed significantly. Driving slower allows for better control and increases your reaction time.
5. How can I avoid hydroplaning?
Slow down: Reduce speed, especially on wet surfaces.
Avoid sudden movements: Steer gently, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
6. What should I do if I start to hydroplane?
Stay calm: Do not panic.
Don't brake suddenly: Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go until you regain traction.
7. Is it safe to use cruise control in the rain?
No, it's best to avoid using cruise control in rainy conditions. It can lead to loss of control if hydroplaning occurs.
8. What precautions should I take when approaching puddles?
Avoid deep puddles: They can hide potholes or other hazards.
Drive slowly: If you must drive through a puddle, go slowly to prevent water from splashing onto other vehicles.
9. What should I do if visibility is severely compromised?
If visibility is extremely poor, pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and wait until conditions improve.
10. Are there any special considerations for driving at night in the rain?
Yes, be especially cautious. Rain can make it harder to see road signs and other vehicles. Use your low beams for better visibility, as high beams can create glare in the rain.
By following these tips, you can significantly enhance your safety while driving in rainy conditions.
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