Rainy weather dangerous as snow

Rainy Weather Dangerous as Snow

Maybe you've had the experience of pulling away from a red light on a rainy day and having your vehicle fishtail as the wheels spin on slick pavement. Maybe you didn't think anything of it. But you should.

"Most people don't realize one of the most dangerous times to be driving is during the first half hour of rain," says Kathy Konicki, Nationwide safety director. "Water mixed with dust, road oils and grease can create a surface as slick as ice. And in a light rain, it may take several hours to wash away."

When driving in rainy weather, Safety Times magazine recommends that you:

Accelerate slowly and slow down gradually.
Allow extra following distance. The normal "2-second rule" employed in normal driving should be increased to a more cautious "4-second rule." When the vehicle ahead of you passes a landmark, it should take you 4 seconds to reach the same spot.
If you encounter a large puddle at slow speeds, place your left foot lightly on the brake pedal while you accelerate slowly with your right foot. This procedure helps keep water from the brake linings. If the brake becomes wet and less effective, apply light pressure to the brake pedal. The friction creates heat that dries the brake linings.
Slow down before you get to wet leaves.
Turn on your headlights. You'll see better, and others will see you.
Be sure your windshield wipers are clean and smooth. Change them annually in the fall to avoid streaking during bad weather.
Make sure you have plenty of washer solvent.
Be especially alert for pedestrians.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when the tires on your car lose contact with the road surface and ride on the wedge of water between the tires and the road. At that point, you may lose your ability to steer or brake. Lighter cars are more likely to hydroplane. To avoid hydroplaning:

Replace worn or balding tires.
Slow down. Hydroplaning rarely occurs at speeds under 30 miles per hour.
Avoid puddles, especially on curves.
Try to drive in tracks of the car in front of you, but don't tailgate.
If your car does hydroplane, do not apply the brake. Take your foot off the gas, and turn your wheels in the direction you want to go until you've regained control.

Fog

Fog can be deadly. There are about 700 fog-related fatalities in the U.S every year, according to the National Transportation and Safety Board. The best advice in fog:

Stay home or drive into a parking lot until fog lifts.
If you drive into a patch of fog, slow down gradually so the car behind you has time to slow as well.
Turn on your low beams. High beams only cause more glare.
To heighten your awareness in your murky surroundings, open your window part way and turn off the radio.
Turn on your windshield wipers and defroster. Stay patient. Do not pass.
Do not hunch over your steering wheel. You'll see better in a normal driving position.
Use the right side of the road for guidance.