Florida’s summer season is synonymous with rain. As Floridians, we all know how the weather can turn in a minute’s notice and then suddenly we are caught on the road in the middle of a downpour. Here are some very important safety tips to follow to keep you safe during the rainy season.
- Maintenance: This is the time to make sure your windshield wipers are working properly and check to see if the blades need replacement. Tires need to have sufficient tread depth to prevent your car from hydroplaning at high speed.
- Awareness: We are all guilty of driving subconsciously out of habit. When the rain starts, disconnect from your phone, keep your hands on the wheel, and focus on the surroundings around you. This will keep you more alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Slow Down: This is crucial in torrential downpours. The heavy rains can impair your vision to see out of the front or back windows, so driving slowly will allow you extra time to avoid any sudden stops by the car in front of you.
- Headlights: This will help not only you see ahead of you in the storm, but it will help the person in front and back of you as well.
- Hazards: It is ILLEGAL in the state of Florida to drive with your hazards on. Drive with your low beams instead to alert the drivers around you.
- Pull Over: If the conditions are such that you have no visibility, slow down and pull over to your nearest parking lot. It is very dangerous to pull over on a highway as other moving cars might not see you, so proceed to your next exit, and then wait out the storm to avoid a potential accident.
- Sunglasses: Actually wearing your sunglasses during a rainstorm has shown to be effective in reducing glare and increasing your vision.
Driving in the rain does not have to be anxiety provoking. Staying in control and following the necessary precautions will keep you safer on the road and prevent accidents.