Heavy rains can be dangerous and you want to ensure that you know how to handle them when you are out and about and it just seems to hit you all at once. You want to be prepared for whatever it is that comes your way. Driving through rain is much different than driving in weather that is clear and dry. You need to ensure that you do not lose control of the vehicle and that you continue to be cautious at all times. Considering this is always ideal to ensure that you know where you are going, are safe while trying to get there and that you remain calm throughout the entire drive.
Here are some tips for the beginner when it comes to driving safely in the rain and being able to get to where you need to go.
- Give yourself enough travel time, if not more to get to where you need to go. You want to ensure that with the heavy rains and decreased visibility, that you will be able to make it to your destination in time or sooner.
- Make sure your headlights are on. This is a law in some states, but it can help you see in the rain if not.
- Make sure your windows remain clear so that you are able to see through them. This can be done by using the defroster.
- Make sure to drive slower than you normally do and leave enough room between you and the car ahead of you. This is because stopping in the rain takes longer than on a dry road.
- Make sure to brake earlier than you normally would to ensure that you stop well before the car in front of you. This also ensures that the cars behind you know that you are going to be stopping so they can plan accordingly.
- Make sure to always look for pedestrians. This is because you might not be able to see them clearly or they might not be able to see you. You need to keep careful watch of them if the rain is heavy and they are out and about.
- Make sure to keep calm throughout the entire drive and stay alert. You want to ensure that nothing is going to come in the way of you and your drive and that you do not get into an accident along the way.
- If you are having an increasingly hard time seeing the road or the car in front of you then you should pull over safely somewhere to ensure that you do not get into an accident. You can then wait for the rain to come to a stop or slow down before you begin the journey again.
Ask parents, guardians and driving instructors for more guidance when it comes to driving through the rain. It can be well worth it to add what they say to this list to ensure that you have the most information to get you through driving in these conditions. Taking an approved defensive driving course from the state of Texas can give you even more tips for driving safely in all road conditions. It’s a small investment that can have a huge payoff “down the road”!