Follow these tips to stay safe when the roads get slick.
With summer almost here, the good news is that the snow and ice are finally behind you, which makes driving in Missouri much less risky. The bad news is that with May and June often begins a summer full of rainstorms that can increase the likelihood that you will be involved in an accident. Although many people don’t usually anticipate wet conditions on the road, they should. As you head out on a rainy summer day, make sure to pay special attention when the rain starts coming down. Follow these tips to stay safe when roads get slick.
Check to Make Sure Your Wipers Are Operable
Nothing is more dangerous than having your windshield wipers dysfunction while you are on the road. To make sure that it never happens to you, it is a great idea to not only make sure those wipers are in working order, but also to change them to make sure they are good to go for when you get stuck in a storm.
Be Aware of Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning dramatically increases your risk of being in a car accident. Hydroplaning is when you have very little traction on the road because there is too much water on the surface of it. Unfortunately, most people are completely unaware that their car is hydroplaning until they try to stop suddenly and can’t. Other times, drivers will feel their vehicle hydroplane just before it spins out of control.
Turn on Your Headlights
Although most cars have sensors now that will turn on your lights when it gets dark outside, there are times when they won’t come on in a storm. To make sure that other drivers can see you coming and going while there is a storm, make sure that your headlights are shining brightly. Don’t use your high beams, however, since they will stop the other driver from being able to see and might actually cause an accident.
Don’t Play in the Puddles
If you notice a large pooling of water on the road, don’t be a daredevil and go through it. If possible, try to avoid puddles of water on the road. If you can’t see how deep the puddle runs, then definitely stay away and try to find another way to get to your destination instead of taking a risk and getting stuck or spinning out of control and getting in an accident.
Although people think that rain is fairly harmless, when you are driving a car, rain can increase your risk of being in an accident. Before you head out on the road this summer, make sure that there is a sufficient amount of tread left on your tires. When the rain is really coming down, slow down. Making sure you have enough distance between you and the car ahead of you to stop suddenly is imperative, especially when there is rain on the roads. If the rain starts to come down or there is standing water on the road after a storm, be cautious and adjust to the road conditions.