Summer is finally here and a time for memory making road trips! During these carefree days of summer driving,we sometimes forget that danger is still lurking. What is the danger on summer roads? RAIN! Normally in New England we worry of the road dangers of ice and snow but rain can be just as perilous. Driving is most hazardous during first ½ hour or so when the rain first starts and not during heavy downpours as you might think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,1.2 million traffic accidents occur each year on wet roads. In fact, more than one half million persons get injured and 5,700 killed.
The danger occurs as the rain begins to fall and the accumulated oil and dirt on the road combines with the rain to create a super slick mixture on the surface that can be as slick as ice. Although the visibility may be reasonably good when driving in the light rain, this doesn’t mean that the road itself is not dangerous. . By brushing up on the skills below, you can help to avoid accidents in the rain that may involve hydroplaning, skidding or sliding off the road completely.
Before driving, check your vehicle’s accessories and parts such as your windshield wipers. Are they starting to show streaks on your windshield? Then it’s time to let them go and buy new ones. Make sure your taillights, headlights, brake lights and signal lights work properly. You don’t want to make your vehicle harder to see in the rain.
You should also check your tires,making sure their tread depth is not flattened and that you have enough air.Use the penny trick to check your tread depth. First, take a penny and place it in the tread. If you see above Abraham Lincoln’s head, you should go out and buy tires before driving in the rain.
Allow for more travel time, rainy driving can mean diminished visibility, and more hazards on the road so take it slow and easy.
Brake earlier and lighter: This decreases the stopping distance between you and the car in front and decreases the risk of hydroplaning.
Don’t forget to turn ON your headlights: Even in a light misty rain, turning on your headlights not only increases your visibility but allows other drivers to see you better. AVOID using your high beams however, as the glare can blind fellow motorists.
Give the road your full attention! Avoid talking on your cell phone or texting!
Being more aware of this and driving accordingly will help in decreasing the amount of auto accidents and claims, as well as time, traffic, and injuries. Drive safe on the roads this summer. Vargas & Vargas Insurance can tailor an auto insurance or your homeowners insurance or your business insurance policy to ensure you have the coverage that fits your needs.
