Tips for Safe Driving During The Rainy Spring Season

This is a sponsored post.

What season do you think most car accidents take place in? Many people might guess winter. They’d have guessed wrong. The correct answer is spring. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration, 74% of weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement. Contrary to what most may think, only 17% of weather related crashes occur during snow or sleet. That makes sense to me. I see it on highways. More people seem to drive with a good amount of respect for snow then they do rain. But driving in rain can be quite dangerous.
I remember as a young teen thinking driving in the rain wasn’t that big of a deal. It’s water after all, right? Then I learned all about hydroplaning and other things that can happen when you drive in the rain. Rain in any amount can make driving challenging as well as create hazardous road conditions.
With the arrival of spring (finally!), we’re also seeing an increase in the amount of rainfall. State Farm is encouraging motorists like you and I to exercise caution while driving in the rain. You know who State Farm is, right? You’ve probably seen the commercials. “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” Well, State Farm is the largest provider of auto insurance in the United States. They pride themselves on their relationships with their clients, offering programs promoting child passenger safety, teen driver safety, seat belt safety, and sober and engaged driving. To that end, they have put together a list of helpful tips for safe driving in the rain.

• Making sure windshield wiper blades and headlights are working well. Replace blades at least once a year for best results. It’s the law in all states to turn headlights on when visibility is low, and many states also require having the headlights on when the windshield wipers are in use.
• Checking that rear and brake lights are functioning properly. They help your vehicle be seen in rainy weather.
• Switching from winter to summer tires, if needed. Don’t forget to check tread wear and tire inflation. Both can help with traction.
• Reducing your speed on wet surfaces and allowing a safe following distance.. Rain, oil and dust equal slippery conditions and traction problems on roads.
• Turning off cruise control. When roads are wet it is best to allow the driver to control speed and react to conditions.
• Paying attention to flood warnings and barricades. They’re typically placed in areas where flooding occurs often and can be potentially dangerous.
• Avoiding driving through standing water, putting yourself, passengers and your vehicle at risk. The Centers for Disease Control report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. You can lose control in as little as six inches of water; deeper, moving water can cause stalling or carry vehicles away.

Remember the hydroplaning I mentioned earlier? Hydroplaning, the skidding or sliding of tires on wet surfaces, can happen anytime roads are wet. I have had it happen to me and it can be pretty scary. State Farm offers these tips if your vehicle hydroplanes:

• Don’t panic.
• Avoid hard braking and quick turns.
• Ease off the gas, gently apply the brakes (lightly pump standard brakes, apply consistent pressure if you have ABS).
• Steer straight ahead or to a safe open area.
• Vehicle braking and traction control systems vary. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to know your vehicle systems and recommended action.

One last tip. My Dad taught me to drive this way, and we taught our son. If you’re teaching a new driver, be sure to practice driving in an array of weather conditions, including rain. Be sure to go over these tips with them. It’s important to teach new teen drivers about the dangers of driving in the rain. It’s also important to teach them how to scan for potential hazards on the road. Urge them to take extra caution, especially in residential areas, as the warmer weather means children, pets and bicycles will be out and about.