Driving in the rain can be just as hazardous as driving drunk or under the influence of drugs, and this danger is magnified when driving on the dark and winding roads of rural Tennessee. Whether you are trying to get to work, get to a meeting, or just get home for supper, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you commute safely from point A to point B — even in a downpour.
Routinely Update Your Safety Equipment
People who are experienced rain drivers know that the first step to success is preparation. Ensure that you change your windshield wipers every year, and replace broken or frayed parts immediately. Your wipers are the most important part of your inclement weather arsenal, and they must be continuously monitored for effectiveness. In case of an accident, you should also carry flares and a spare tire and jack in the trunk of your automobile. The only way to make it through the worst case scenario is to be ready for it.
Drive Cautiously
This section would appear to be common sense, but many drivers simply do not realize the risks posed by rainy weather. First and foremost, all vehicles should slow down and stay in the middle of the road — most roads are slightly sloped toward the outside so that water does not pool in the middle. Drivers should also maintain a safe following distance — the accepted distance is about twenty feet, or two seconds counted out loud, but this distance should be increased in lousy weather. Drivers should always be alert and prepared to drive defensively, should something happen in front of them.
Turn Your Headlights On
Rain decreases driver visibility tremendously, so all drivers should do their part to make sure their presence is noted by other commuters. Headlights and fog lights should be switched on, even during the day, to increase your own visibility and signal your position to other drivers. Increased light also confuses animals and dissuades them from crossing the road in front of your car during a storm.
Make No Assumptions About Puddles
Driving through water deposits can be very dangerous — if they are deeper or longer than expected, the car’s tires can lose their connection with the ground and the car can fishtail or swerve off of the road. Drivers should always slow down when driving through puddles, and should even avoid them entirely if conditions permit it. Water hazards can damage the car’s electronic control systems and trigger repairs that can cost several thousand dollars. If the water appears to be deeper than halfway up the wheel well, it is best to reverse course and find a different way to your destination.
Stay Away From Cruise Control
Cruise control is a mechanism that regulates the speed of the car to a consistent level. It is a very helpful feature in dry conditions, but should never be used in inclement weather. Cars driving through puddles will naturally slow down, and when cruise control intervenes to artificially increase the speed of the vehicle, spin outs can commonly occur.
People who drive irresponsibly in the rain open themselves up to injuries, lawsuits and even death. Learning how to drive safely in the rain is an important skill for any motorist, especially those driving in rural states like Tennessee.
