As the years go by, most of us get used to driving in all kinds of weather conditions from the typical hot and sunny days of the summer, the rainy downpours of spring and autumn to the snowy backroads of the winter months.

However, regular practice comes negligence, and many of us can feel overconfidence while driving in less than desirable conditions without even thinking about it. However, this dramatically increases the risk of an

accident taking place, which, of course, is something you’re going to want to avoid.

To help keep you safe and refresh your memory, today we’re going to explore six key tips you’ll need to remember to help you drive safely while out in the rain.

#1 – Keep Your Distance

While you might be used to driving up close behind other cars; when it gets to the rainy days you’re going to want to fall about and increase your distance. When the rain starts to fall, the roads can get very slippery which will increase your stopping distance making it more likely to have a crash if you don’t hold back.

#2 – Don’t Slam Your Brakes

Hand in hand with the consideration above, always make sure you’re gradually applying the brakes on your vehicle, rather than slamming them down at the last minute. This can easily cause your car to skid or hydroplane depending on the conditions of the road, which can cause an accident.

#3 – Use Lights on Low Beam

While it might be the middle of the day, rain, especially heavy rain, can dramatically impair any driver’s vision and makes it incredibly difficult to see anything ahead. To eliminate this problem, always drive with your lights on low beam.

If everyone can see everyone else, this makes all drivers a lot more aware of what they’re doing and helps to minimize the risk of a collision taking place.

#4 – Apply Awareness at Junctions and Intersections

Including all the other points we’ve listed here, when you approach a T-Junction, turning or intersection, make sure you’re even more aware than usual when it’s raining. Approach slowly and keep looking in all directions to ensure it’s safe.

It’s also incredibly important to make sure you’re not assuming the actions of other drivers and keeping an eye out for them. A novice driver might not be experienced enough to drive in the rain and may shoot across an intersection without being able to stop.

Never assume and always make judgments based on what’s happening. If you do find yourself in an accident situation, always enlist the help of car accident attorneys who can help you fight your case properly.

#5 – Avoid Still/Standing Water

We’ve all seen the viral videos of someone getting stuck while trying to cross a large body of water and you may always think, “What was that guy trying to do?”

However, while this may sound easy to avoid in the day, it’s much more difficult if you’re driving at night, so always keep your wits about you.

#6 – Drive Slower

This may seem like an obvious point, but you’ll be amazed at how many people don’t listen to it. When the roads are wet and slippery, traveling at high speeds dramatically increases the risk of hydroplaning or skidding off the roads, as well as being much more likely that you’ll lose control.

Summary

As you can see, there are lots of things to remember when it comes to driving in the rain that can help keep you safe. Most importantly, be aware and minimize distractions, watch the road and make the safest decisions possible.

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