Driving in the Rain

Spring has finally arrived! That means we'll also be welcoming spring showers. Many people don't often think of rain as a dangerous driving condition, but many accidents happen every year because drivers aren't taking the proper precautions when driving in the rain. Skidding and hydroplaning can easily be avoided as long as you are careful.

This list of tips from The Weather Channel will help you stay safe when driving in the rain.

1. You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal. 

2. If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. You must be prepared to turn the steering wheel again and again until the front of the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid. 

3. Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don't put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you. 

4. If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally. The car's computer will automatically pump the brakes much more effectively than a person can do. 

5. A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures.

Click the link to read the full article from The Weather Channel: http://wxch.nl/1dnGKDQ