Driving in wet conditions, whether a drizzle or a heavy rainstorm, can be one of the most challenging experiences on the road.Rainy weather is linked to an increase in accident rates. Regardless of which part of Toronto you live in, you have to drive in the rain at some point. Knowing how to navigate wet roads with reduced visibility will help you drive in rainy conditions safely.
In this detailed guide, we will outline the top safety tips recommended by a cheap driving school Toronto. Let’s jump in and explore them.
Double-Check Your Car
Before you hit the road in rainy weather, it is essential to ensure your car is in optimal condition. Check the tire tread depth, windshield wipers, and tire pressure. Properly functioning wipers are crucial for maintaining your visibility when it is raining heavily. Bald tires can reduce traction, raising the risk of skidding on the road. Moreover, make sure that the brake lights, headlights, and turn signals are functioning well to improve visibility for other drivers on the road.
Stay Alert While Driving
Stay focused and stay alert. It is important that you pay attention to what’s going on around you while it is downpouring heavily. When you are merging lanes, you should be extra cautious. Drive defensively. Make sure you check around your car and in spots, then take precautions when you pass other vehicles to avoid merging collisions.
Slow Down and Maintain a Gap with Other Cars
One of the most important rules by affordable driving school Toronto to drive in the rain is to reduce your speed. Rain-slicked roads are known to reduce tracking. This makes it challenging for drivers to steer and stop abruptly. By slowing down your vehicle, you give yourself enough time to react to unanticipated situations.
Maintain and increase the distance between vehicle and the cars in front of you. The additional space offers a buffer zone and ensures a safe stopping distance. This minimizes the risk of rear-end collisions.
Brake Cautiously
One of the main reasons cars collide during rain is because drivers slam the brakes as if the roads are dry. A wet road can make the car skid, often leading to a collision with the back of another vehicle.If you have paid for Toronto driving lessons prices, you will know that you have to brake gently and alert the driver behind you early on that you are slowing down.
Avoid Sudden Movements
Rapid accelerations, sharp turns, and sudden braking need to be avoided when you are driving in the rain. These sudden movements can cause your car to hydroplane or skid, particularly on wet roads. Rather, slow down and make gradual turns smoothly when you approach corners or intersections. Make sure you maintain a steady speed while driving in the rain to reduce the risk of losing control of your car.
Turn on Your Lights
When driving in wet weather, visibility is key. Even when it is daytime, turn on the headlights to improve the visibility of your car to other drivers. Following this simple rule will improve your presence on the road, minimizing the chances of accidents. Avoid high beams since they reflect off raindrops and further impair visibility.
Be Mindful of Flooded Roads and Puddles
Flooded roads and puddles are common in wet weather. It can hide potholes and other dangerous conditions on roads. In case you encounter a slowdown, puddle, and drive through it. Avoid splashing water onto cyclists or pedestrians on the road. In case the road is flooded, and you can’t see the pavement, look for an alternate route. Trying to drive through deep water can cause engine damage.
Maintain the Brakes
Well-functioning brakes are crucial for safe driving in wet weather conditions. Make sure that you get your brakes checked before the rainy season. Wet brakes tend to be less responsive. Hence, it is essential to maintain them. In case you notice any signs of brake problems, such as reduced responsiveness or squeaking, get them checked by a professional mechanic.
Use Windshield Wipers
Even though it might seem like common sense, often people forget to turn on their windshield wipers if it is raining lightly. Currently, most cars allow you to control the speed of windshield wipers to clear moisture from the glass in a heavy downpour or light mist. There are also different products that you can spray on the glass to clean it.
Left Off Gas When You Hydroplane
Hydroplaning is a common car accident during wet weather since drivers can lose control. In case your car hydroplanes, take your foot off the acceleratorcalmly and steer in the direction the car front needs to go. Don’t make a sudden turn or slam on the brakes.
Ventilate the Car
You have appeared for the driving test and paid theG2 road test fee, you know that rain can cause humidity levels to rise in the car. You might find that your car’s window becomes foggy when you operate the car while it is raining. The ventilation system of cars includes a function that works to reduce this kind of fog, which develops on the windshield and window of your car. It is necessary to pull over if you are unable to see through the windows.
