8 Things You Should Know Before Driving in the Rain
During the summer, storms can arrive fast and with fury, and it’s probably happened to you that you’ve been stranded in the car when one starts. No? Lucky. Anyways, if the rain starts and you’re in the middle of going from point A to point B, here are 8 things you should know when driving through the weather conditions.
1. Avoid puddles and potholes.
It’s impossible to see how deep that pothole really is when you’re driving down the road and it’s full of water. Many Sandbox policyholders have experienced instances of potholes being hidden underneath deep water and caused damage to their tires. Don’t let this happen to you! Go around them if it’s safe to do so or decrease your speed almost to a stop if you must go through.
2. Slow down.
Whether it’s because of road conditions or poor visibility, it never hurts to be cautious and slow down. The chances of sliding significantly increase when roads are wet, so don’t speed and go at a pace that’s safe for you and other drivers.
3. Eliminate in-car distractions.
This isn’t just for when the road conditions are poor, but especially when they are. Some examples of in-car distractions include talking on the phone, spending too much time deciding on a radio station, searching for a song that matches your mood, or anything that deters your attention from the road. Being as focused as possible is key when navigating through the rain or any summer storms and the roads in general.
4. Keep a safe following distance.
There should be a minimum distance of three car’s length between you and the vehicle ahead of you at all times. If the car in front of you starts to slide or has to come to a sudden, complete stop, give yourself enough reaction time to do the same. Remember, don’t be afraid to give yourself more of a gap if you need it!
5. Be seen by other drivers.
Daytime running lights aren’t always enough. By turning on your headlights, taillights, or fog lights, you can be sure that other drivers spot you in the storm. Or worse, if there’s little visibility, you’re on the highway, and there’s no spot to pull over in sight, turn your hazards on and proceed with caution. This starts a chain reaction, once someone exercises safety like this, any other car that approaches you will mirror and do the same thing!
6. Turn off cruise control.
Cruise control: we know it and we love it, except during storms. If you’re on the highway, being able to ease off the accelerator in case you start to skid is important; however, when you’re using cruise control, you can’t decrease your acceleration; you can only brake. As fun as putting your car on autopilot is, be sure to turn off your cruise control right away if it starts to rain.
7. Have working-order wiper blades.
If your wiper blades are leaving streaks on your windshield, the frames are bent or damaged, or you're hearing too much squeaking, be sure to replace them so you can navigate through the rain. You’ll really thank yourself the next time it pours and you’re on the road!
8. Don’t be afraid to pull over.
OK, so it starts to sprinkle. No big deal, continue on your journey. But we all know, one thing leads to another, and then all of a sudden, the sky has given you a complimentary car wash. If the rain turns into a heavy storm like that, turn your hazard lights on, pull over where and when it is safe to do so, and put your vehicle in park. Sometimes, waiting it out is the best decision to make if you’re travelling in the same direction that the storm is going, even if it may be a temporary delay you weren’t expecting.
These are just a few precautions you can take while driving in the rain. There are many more, but by knowing these eight like the back of your hand, you will not only keep yourself safe but everyone else on the road around you. However, there are things out there that can’t be prevented just by changing your wiper blades, and that’s where we at Sandbox come in. Sandbox Mutual Insurance brokers near you can help you get collision/upset and comprehensive auto insurance quotes in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Not only can they find a deductible that works best for you and your policy needs, but they can explain all your coverages in more detail, so you know what you’re shielded against. Visit our Auto Insurance page on our website for more details on how you can insure your personal car, commercial vehicle, or whatever kind of ride that gets you from point A to point A for protection against weather damage, collisions, and other perils.
Please note that the information in this article may not accurately reflect your insurance policy from Sandbox Mutual Insurance or another insurance company. Please refer to your policy or talk to your broker about your specific coverages.