[vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” seperator_1=”” ts_row_bg_effects=”” ts_row_bg_image=”” ts_row_bg_source=”full” ts_row_break_parents=”4″ ts_row_zindex=”0″ ts_row_min_height=”100″ ts_row_bg_position=”center” ts_row_bg_position_custom=”” ts_row_bg_size_standard=”cover” ts_row_bg_size_parallax=”cover” ts_row_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” seperator_2=”” ts_row_parallax_type=”up” ts_row_bg_alignment_v=”center” ts_row_bg_alignment_h=”center” ts_row_parallax_speed=”20″ seperator_3=”” ts_row_automove_speed=”75″ ts_row_automove_scroll=”true” ts_row_automove_align=”horizontal” ts_row_automove_path_h=”leftright” ts_row_automove_path_v=”topbottom” seperator_4=”” padding_top=”30″ padding_bottom=”30″ margin_left=”0″ margin_right=”0″ single_color=”#ffffff” seperator_5=”” gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_color_start=”#cccccc” gradient_start_offset=”0″ gradient_color_end=”#cccccc” gradient_end_offset=”100″ seperator_6=”” video_youtube=”” video_background=”” video_mute=”true” video_loop=”false” video_start=”false” video_stop=”true” video_controls=”true” video_raster=”false” animation_view=”” css3animations_in=”” animation_scroll=”false” animation_speed=”2000″ el_file1=”” el_file2=””][vc_column width=”1/3″ seperator_1=”Viewport Animation” animation_view=”” css3animations_in=”” animation_scroll=”false” animation_speed=”2000″ el_file1=”” el_file2=””][vc_single_image image=”3806″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″ seperator_1=”Viewport Animation” animation_view=”” css3animations_in=”” animation_scroll=”false” animation_speed=”2000″ el_file1=”” el_file2=””][vc_column_text]The weather in our area has been less than summer-like and pleasant lately. With the rainstorms that have been coming in, and the knowledge that summer rains will continue to fall, it is incredibly important for you to learn how to drive safely in heavy rain. Not only will it keep you safe while you are driving, but it will also keep others on the road safe as well. I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” seperator_1=”” ts_row_bg_effects=”” ts_row_bg_image=”” ts_row_bg_source=”full” ts_row_break_parents=”4″ ts_row_zindex=”0″ ts_row_min_height=”100″ ts_row_bg_position=”center” ts_row_bg_position_custom=”” ts_row_bg_size_standard=”cover” ts_row_bg_size_parallax=”cover” ts_row_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” seperator_2=”” ts_row_parallax_type=”up” ts_row_bg_alignment_v=”center” ts_row_bg_alignment_h=”center” ts_row_parallax_speed=”20″ seperator_3=”” ts_row_automove_speed=”75″ ts_row_automove_scroll=”true” ts_row_automove_align=”horizontal” ts_row_automove_path_h=”leftright” ts_row_automove_path_v=”topbottom” seperator_4=”” padding_top=”30″ padding_bottom=”30″ margin_left=”0″ margin_right=”0″ single_color=”#ffffff” seperator_5=”” gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_color_start=”#cccccc” gradient_start_offset=”0″ gradient_color_end=”#cccccc” gradient_end_offset=”100″ seperator_6=”” video_youtube=”” video_background=”” video_mute=”true” video_loop=”false” video_start=”false” video_stop=”true” video_controls=”true” video_raster=”false” animation_view=”” css3animations_in=”” animation_scroll=”false” animation_speed=”2000″ el_file1=”” el_file2=””][vc_column width=”1/1″ seperator_1=”Viewport Animation” animation_view=”” css3animations_in=”” animation_scroll=”false” animation_speed=”2000″ el_file1=”” el_file2=””][vc_column_text]
Safe Driving Tips
Before you get in your car, make sure your wipers work and are in good condition. Also, make sure that your tires are properly inflated and have proper tread depth. Sometimes, giving your car a quick inspection is enough to keep you safe while driving or to alert you to any potential problems before you’re stuck in the rain. Anytime driving conditions are less than ideal, such as during rainfall, be sure to adjust your speed appropriately. Likewise, you should also increase your following distance. Tailgating, or driving too close to other cars, is especially dangerous when the roads are wet or icy.
Braking
When you first enter heavy rain don’t slam on your brakes, especially on a freeway or expressway. If you need to brake, brake slowly, pushing your foot on then off the brake pedal. If you slam on your brakes, the car behind you may not see you in time causing you to be rear-ended. Use your low beam headlights, as high beams can actually reflect off of the precipitation and reduce visibility. Hazard lights should also be used if you have to reduce your speed more than 15mph below limit
Hydroplaning
Losing control of your car is the last thing anyone wants while they are driving. Hydroplaning is frightening, but you can often avoid it. Do not exceed a safe driving speed in the rain, drive only where you know it is safe (there is not flooding or running water on the road), and if you do hydroplane, keep calm. Keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel, resist the urge to slam on the brakes, and do your best to control your car. It won’t last long, and when you regain the traction of your wheels, you will be able to get your car in your lane, where it needs to be.
After the Storm
For a time after the rains having stopped pouring down, there will still be road hazards you need to watch out for. Roads will be slick until they get a chance to dry out. Also, there may be running water across certain areas of the road, or standing water where the road dips down and rainwater collects. Never drive through running or standing water on the road. You cannot tell how deep it is until it is too late. Many motorists have been stranded this way and needed rescue for both them and their vehicle. Even large vehicles are not immune to getting trapped in water that looked shallow but was really deep. Play it safe and take another route.
Driving in heavy rain carries additional risks, but they can be managed well with proper vehicle maintenance and safe driving. Stay safe this summer and beyond, and remember that you are in control of your vehicle, and you are responsible for your own driving. Keeping these tips in mind and respecting others on the road will get you started on the right track while driving in the heavy rain we are experiencing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]