HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — According to AAA, wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes each year.
With spring rains here, we've got tips from police for keeping yourself safe on rainy roads.
- TIME: Give yourself more time for heavy traffic due to rain.
- FOLLOWING DISTANCE: Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- SPEED LIMIT: Obey the speed limit and drive slower in the rain; the roads are very slick when wet.
- LIGHTS: Turn on your headlights when driving in rainy weather.
- WINDSHIELD WIPERS: Make sure the windshield wipers are in proper working order; change the wiper blades before the rainy season arrives.
- READ THE SIGNS: Never drive through moving water if you cant see the ground through it. Do not drive around road barricades; they are for your safety as the roadway or bridge may be washed out.
- AVOID CRUISE CONTROL: Most modern cars feature cruise control. This feature works great in dry conditions, but when used in wet conditions, the chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase. To prevent loss of traction, the driver may need to reduce the car’s speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be accomplished when cruise control is engaged.
- RESPONDING TO A SKID: Even careful drivers can experience skids. If a driver feels their car begin to skid, it’s important to not panic and follow these basic steps: (A) Continue to look and steer in the direction in which the driver wants the car to go; (B) Avoid slamming on the brakes as this will further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to control.
Driving risks increase in wet-weather conditions. To maximize your driving safety, be aware of the road conditions, reduce speed appropriately and be prepared for challenging situations.
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