Driving in the Rain: Stay Safe with These Tips

There are over one million weather-related crashes annually, and nearly half of them occur while it’s raining. Because of this, rain tends to be one of the most dangerous weather conditions—yes, more than ice, snow, and sleet—to drive-in! With that being said, ALLConnecticut Insurance wants to help West Hartford, CT drivers learn how to navigate the road a bit better when they’re caught in the middle of a storm.

Wait It Out

While it may not be possible at all times, you should try to avoid getting behind the wheel and driving when it is raining, especially right at first. Oil and grease build up on the roads, and when it rains, those substances will rise up to the surface. As the water mixes with the grease and oil, the roads get slick and dangerous. Therefore, the roads are most dangerous at the beginning of a rainstorm. If possible, wait a bit before driving.

Know What to Do If You Hydroplane

Your tires tend to lose traction when there is water built up on the road, and this is when hydroplaning can occur. It doesn’t take a lot of water on the road for you to be able to hydroplane.

Now, when hydroplaning happens, you will feel your car begin to slide suddenly. More than likely, you may find it difficult to steer. If this happens, slowly lift your foot off of the gas and try to steer the vehicle straight. If you do anything other than this, you may flip your vehicle.

Slow Down

Keep in mind that the posted speed limits are for when the driving conditions are ideal. Rain is not an ideal driving condition. Therefore, to keep yourself and others safe, slow down and add a couple of extra car links between you and the vehicle in front of you.

ALLConnecticut Insurance wants to make sure you are safe when driving on the road, but we also want to ensure that you have appropriate auto insurance in the event you are in an accident. Serving the West Hartford, CT areas, we can sit down with you and help you identify the best policy for your needs and budget.