Fall is a wonderful time for family, holidays, and football; however, there are also some downsides during this period. Torrential rains and other forms of precipitation frequently transpire, which can be a cause of concern when you’re out on the road. It’s important to be prepared in case this severe weather strikes to avoid any property damage or injury. Here are five tips for driving in stormy weather!
Prepare Your Car – Since your vehicle has just endured the summer conditions, it’s time to make some adjustments for the nastier fall weather. Make sure that your windshield wipers are in pristine condition and that your tires and breaks are functioning properly. You may also want to replace your light bulbs and clean your headlights so that other drivers can see your vehicle in fog and thick rain.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings – Rainy weather changes everything on the road, which is why it’s important that you adjust to a change in driving patterns. Be aware of larger vehicles on the road and keep an extra 5-foot distance between you and the car in front of you so that you have more time to react to traffic. Always avoid breaking on wet leaves and be on the lookout for large puddles, along with other wet surfaces.
Adjust Your Driving – When it rains, the water mixes with the oil and grease infused in the streets and creates a very slippery surface. Because of this, it’s important to lower your speed and refrain from slamming on your breaks. This can cause your car to hydroplane and spin out of control, which can lead to a serious accident. Hydroplaning is very common even among safe drivers, so it’s important to remain calm and know how to handle the situation. If you find yourself hydroplaning, remember to gently ease your foot off of the gas and turn your steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go.
Pull Over – If the rainfall gets to a point where it’s virtually impossible to see what’s in front of you, then the best solution is to pull over to the side of the road and wait it out. Call your boss or whomever you’re meeting with and inform them of the situation – they will most certainly understand. Rushing to get somewhere on time in horrible weather is not worth risking your life.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown! – Contrary to popular belief, cars do not float, which is why you need to be aware of any signs of flooded areas. Driving into flooded areas can be dangerous and even deadly, so be smart and turn around – even if you’re not sure how deep the water is. Take our advice and don’t let your car get washed away!
With the change of seasons, it’s also a great time to make sure that all of your insurance needs are up-to-date. Give us a call to have an agent make sure that your auto insurance has the right amount of coverage for your family and your needs. We can also ensure that you are getting the best rate for your policy. You might even qualify for additional discounts, especially if you have your home insurance with us.
We hope that these tips find you well and keep you safe during the upcoming months!