{"id":183,"date":"2018-06-18T21:09:25","date_gmt":"2018-06-18T21:09:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edcantuinsurance.com\/blog\/?p=183"},"modified":"2018-06-18T21:09:25","modified_gmt":"2018-06-18T21:09:25","slug":"vital-safety-tips-while-driving-in-the-rain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edcantuinsurance.com\/blog\/vital-safety-tips-while-driving-in-the-rain\/","title":{"rendered":"Vital Safety Tips while Driving in the Rain"},"content":{"rendered":"

The South Texas Drought continues but heavy rain in the forecast means now is a great time to share important safety tips on how to best drive on wet roads and highways.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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Safety starts with replacing old worn windshield wipers, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals. Make sure they work properly and during downpours, turn on your headlights so you can see better and so others can see you.<\/p>\n

Proper tire tread depth and inflation are imperative on wet roadways. You can check the tread depth with a quarter inserted upside down into the tire groove. If you can see above Washington\u2019s head, it\u2019s time to start shopping for new tires. Also check each tire\u2019s pressure, including the spare, at least once a month\u2026 and be sure to check the pressure when the tires are cold. Whether you\u2019ve checked your car\u2019s equipment or not, below are important things to know.<\/p>\n

T<\/b><\/span>hree important<\/b><\/span> <\/b>Safety T<\/b><\/span>ips to follow <\/b><\/span>wh<\/b><\/span>en<\/b><\/span> <\/b>driving in the rain.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Avoid Cruise Control<\/span><\/h4>\n

Cruise control is a common feature for most cars. This feature works great in dry conditions, but the chance of losing control of your vehicle increases on a wet road. You may need to reduce your car\u2019s speed by lifting off the accelerator to avoid hydroplaning (which is when your tires rise up on a film of water). It is difficult to do this when cruise control is engaged.<\/p>\n

It is important to concentrate fully on every aspect of driving when driving in the rain. Avoiding cruise control will allow you more options when responding to a potential loss-of-traction situation.<\/p>\n

Slow Down and Leave Room in Front of you<\/span><\/h4>\n

Slowing down on a wet road is critical to reduce hydroplaning. You should reduce your speed based on the amount of water on the roadway and how hard it is raining. At speeds as low as 35 mph, new tires can still lose some contact with the roadway.<\/p>\n

To further reduce your chances of hydroplaning, you should slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply. Remember to drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you, but allow motorists ample stopping distance.<\/p>\n

How to Respond to a Skid<\/span><\/h4>\n

Even careful drivers can experience skids. If you feel your car begin to skid, it\u2019s important not panic and remember to follow these basic steps:<\/p>\n