Tips for Driving in Rainy Weather

I think it's safe to say that Spring is finally here! Along with the beauty and excitement during this season comes rain, causing unfortunate and possibly preventable accidents. Like driving in snow, one must be prepared to adjust his or her driving to suit the changed road conditions that rain brings. Water on the asphalt causes tires to lose traction. Rain also reduces visibility and perception. While slowing down in an obvious way to avoid an accident during a rainfall, there are some other tips and techniques to ensure safe travel on slippery, wet roads.

• Use extreme caution after a long dry spell because engine oil and grease build up on the road. Oil mixed with rain can make for some extremely slippery road conditions. 
• Allow for more time travel as you should drive at a slower pace. Other drivers will likely be moving slower as well.
• Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. Take turns and curves with less speed.
• Water often runs off to the side. Stay closer to the middle of the road to avoid deep standing puddles.
• Don't use cruise control. If you hydroplane (a loss of steering or braking control when a layer of water prevents direct contact between tires and the road, runway, or other surface), your reaction time will be much slower on cruise control, since it allows you to take your foot away from the pedals.
• Avoid large puddles where potholes may be hiding under water, causing damage to your car.
• Don't attempt to cross running water.
• Don't use high beams in the rain or fog. Using dim lights or fog lights will throw extra light on the road while maximizing your vision.
• If it's raining so hard you can't see the car in front of you, pullover and wait. 
• Avoid passing large trucks and buses, as spray from their tires may block your vision completely
• Watch out for pedestrians whose vision and hearing abilities may be limited by the rain.
• Defog your windows as rain will cause your windshield to quickly fog up.
• If you do hydroplane, don't brake suddenly or turn the wheel. Release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until you regain traction. 

In addition to these tips, make sure your vehicle's brakes, tire pressures, tread depth, and defroster are in good working condition. Ensure that your car has a good set of all-season tires and that your wipers are functioning properly.

Sourced from edmunds.com.