Southern Louisiana is known for good cuisine and good times, but it’s also known for downpours. As such, drivers in the Houma area may often find themselves out while it’s raining. Unfortunately, rain is a primary safety hazard.
If you’re heading out and there’s a chance of rain, remembering these tips may help you to remain as safe as possible while you’re on the road.
Slow down to prevent hydroplaning
When roads are wet, your vehicle’s tires can lose contact with the road, leading to hydroplaning. Reducing your speed lowers the risk of hydroplaning and allows you to maintain better control of your vehicle. Slower speeds also allow your tires to maintain traction even in heavy rain.
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
Rainy conditions and wet roads increase stopping distances. Keeping a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you provides more time to stop safely without the risk of rear-ending them. This is especially important in heavy rain when visibility is reduced.
Use your headlights
Turning on your headlights in the rain isn’t just about improving your visibility; it’s also about making sure other drivers can see you. Even in light rain or mist, headlights can make a significant difference. Remember to use low beams to avoid blinding drivers in the opposite lane.
Avoid using cruise control
Cruise control is great for maintaining a steady speed under normal conditions, but in the rain, it’s safer to control your speed manually. This way, you can quickly reduce speed without the delay of disengaging cruise control, giving you better control in slippery conditions.
Ventilate your car
Rain can cause your vehicle’s windows to fog up, reducing visibility. Use your vehicle’s ventilation system to keep the air inside the car dry and prevent the windows from fogging. Air conditioning is particularly effective in removing humidity from the interior.
Be prepared for gusts
Storms can bring sudden gusts of wind, especially during heavy rain. Be prepared for these gusts by keeping both hands on the wheel and steering gently to maintain control. This is particularly important when driving near larger vehicles that can create wind blasts.
Know how to respond to a skid
If your vehicle begins to skid, remain calm, and steer in the direction you want to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can make the skid worse. Gentle steering adjustments and easing off the gas can help regain control.
Even if you’re driving safely, other drivers might not be. If you’re slammed into by another driver and suffer injuries because of it, you may need considerable medical care. You may also opt to pursue a compensation claim against the other driver if their negligence caused the crash. Legal assistance is beneficial in these cases since they can become rather complex.