It looks like California may be on its way out of a drought. We have seen more rain this year than we have the last few years. With that being said, how up-to-date is your knowledge on driving in wet weather? Do you know the best precautions to take and what tips to follow to practice safe driving? Here is Bakersfield Bail Bonds’s checklist for wet-weather driving:
BEFORE DRIVING:
- Make sure all vehicle lights are working properly: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, signal lights, daytime running lights, high beams, and interior lights.
- Make sure windshield wipers are working and in good condition.
- Make sure your car horn is working.
- Check your brakes.
- Check air levels in tires and the tire treads.
- Take note that the first rainy day after a dry spell always produces the slipperiest roads.
WHILE DRIVING:
- Brake sooner than you normally would. This gives you extra space between you and the car ahead and gives the car behind you more time to react.
- Headlights must be on when the windshield wipers are in use, even if it is sunny.
- If you feel your car hydroplaning, take your foot off the gas, do not step on the brake. Keep a steady grip of your steering wheel and you will feel your car gain traction again.
- Drive at a slower speed and drive with more space between you and the car ahead.
Be extra alert when you are driving in the rain. Rainy weather causes more road accidents. Most accidents can be avoided if you simply take your time and be careful out there.