Do these things when driving in rainy conditions

| May 2, 2018 | Firm News |

If you live in New York, you know that the spring season is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. You also know that heavy rain can move into the area, often without notice.

In the event that you’re behind the wheel when the rain begins to pour, it’s imperative to change your approach. If you don’t, you increase the likelihood of being part of an accident — and that’s not something you want to do).

Here are some tips to keep you safe, even when the rain is coming down in buckets:

• Stay alert at all times. Not only does this keep you on your toes, but it also helps pinpoint any dangerous activity going on around you.
• Use your headlights. There are two primary reasons to do so: it makes it easier for you to see the road ahead, and it ensures that other drivers can see your vehicle.
• Watch out for standing water. If you drive into standing water at a fast rate of speed, it’s possible that your vehicle could hydroplane. When this happens, your tires lose contact with the road.
• Don’t use cruise control. It’s easy to believe that using cruise control is a good idea, as it helps you to maintain a steady speed, but it actually increases the likelihood of hydroplaning.
• Watch your speed. Even if you are in a hurry, it’s imperative that you slow down when driving in heavy rain. The visibility isn’t as good, there could be standing water on the road and you never know what other drivers will do.

With these tips in mind, you should feel more confident in your ability to drive safely in rainy conditions.

You also need to think about other drivers. Even though you’re doing your part in preventing an accident, not everyone else will take the same approach. For example, someone who is in a hurry to reach their destination may continue to drive fast despite the inclement weather.

If you’re part of an accident in wet weather, move your vehicle to a safe place, call 911 and seek medical attention. From there, you can focus on feeling better and learning more about your legal rights.

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