What Are Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain?

May 3, 2022

Especially during the spring and summer months, Pennsylvania can get inundated with rain and poor weather conditions. If you find yourself on the road when a rainstorm hits, you can take steps to make sure you get where you are going safely.

Keep Your Headlights On

Most newer model cars come standard with daytime running headlights. This safety feature helps other cars see you even during the day. You can still manually turn your lights off, even in newer cars, so make sure you have not accidentally turned your lights off.

If you have an older model car, make sure to turn your headlights on when you first spot raindrops. This act can make you more visible to other vehicles, especially when the rain starts hard.

Do Not Use Cruise Control

When traveling on the interstate, cruise control makes for a more comfortable and steadier ride. When it is raining, do not use this feature.

When using cruise control, your car will try to keep a constant speed. If you start to hydroplane, cruise control can make you lose control of your vehicle. Because the tires do not have traction on the road surface, the cruise control may think it needs to increase your speed, leading to a car accident.

Check Your Tires

This is a good tip for any time of the year. Make sure your tire treads have sufficient tread left. You do not want to try driving in a downpour with tires that need to be replaced. You can use the penny trick. Turn a penny upside down and hold it in a tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tracks are too worn, and it is time to replace your tires.

You also need to check your tire pressure. Make sure they are filled up to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Tires that are too full or not full enough can cause you to slide on wet pavement.

Check Your Wipers

Your wipers help clear the rain from your windshield. If your wipers are not working well, they will not sufficiently clear the rain from the windshield, making it difficult to see.

Wipers are inexpensive, so it might even be good to replace them before the end of spring. You can even have them changed when you get your oil changed.

Be a Defensive Driver

One of the most important steps you can take is driving defensively. When you are an alert driver, you can avoid accidents.

Also, make sure you slow down. Rain can have similar effects on your vehicle as ice, so slow down and get to where you are going safely.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Can Help You if You Have Been Involved in a Weather-Related Collision

Staying safe on the road is your most important job while driving. When the weather gets rainy, you can take steps to make sure you arrive safely at your destination. Unfortunately, you cannot control other drivers. If another driver has injured you in an accident, speak with one of our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. today. Call us at 215-569-9100 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.