This past week, the rain has not let up all across Texas. As much as we pray for rain, driving can become a nightmare. When it comes to driving in the rain we either have, 1. Crazy drivers that want to see if they can drift down the road or 2. Those that driveway too cautiously, leaving you to pass them and causing more issues. It’s important to be prepared in case this severe weather strikes to avoid any property damage or injury. Here are three 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 fall weather. Make sure that your windshield wipers aren’t old and worn out. Check 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.
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. Drive Smart!
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 or visit us online at empowerins.com to have an agent evaluate that your 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.
From all of us at Empower, we hope that these tips find you well and keep you safe during the upcoming months!