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Summer Storm Safety

© Jennifer Froio

Summer can mean furocious rain and violent storms for many parts of the country and the world. Summer also happens to be the busiest driving season of the years. Here’s how to keep safe if Mother Nature surprises you this summer.

Slow down
Rain reduces visibility and creates slippery conditions that require drivers to use extra caution. Drive slowly, particularly through puddles. Hitting several inches of water at high speeds can cause a driver to lose control of the car and even contact with the road, called hydroplaning. Fast driving through puddles may also splash water into the engine and cause it to stall. Driving at slower speeds also helps drivers be prepared for sudden stops due to disabled cars, debris, and other hazards associated with wet weather driving.

Keep your distance
A car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet pavement than on dry, so allow extra following distance between cars.

Keep control
If the car skids and control is lost, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, apply the brakes with a steady, light but firm pressure. Remember to steer in the direction the car is sliding. When traction is regained, steering control will return. For cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, drivers should apply heavy steady pressure, not pump the brakes. If you are not sure if you have ABS or not, such as if you have rented a car and are unfamiliar with the features, check the owner’s manual. You may also see an ABS light turn on briefly when you start your car.

Use the center lane
When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without crossing or straddling the yellow line). Avoid outside lanes where water tends to collect at curbside.

Stay informed
Tune into radio and television weather reports to know where flood warning areas or traffic congestion might be located. If possible, avoid these areas.

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance
It seems every article here emphasizes the importance of maintenance. Take the hint! Car maintenance needs increase during wet weather. A general checklist for storms includes:

Use headlights and check all other lights
Driving in the rain means reduced visibility. The Auto Club recommends that motorists turn on the vehicle's headlights so they can see and be seen. Do not use your high beams. AAA also reminds us that many states require headlights to be turned on when it is raining or if the visibility is reduced to less than 500 feet. Regularly check that headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.

The copyright of the article Summer Storm Safety in Auto Care & Repair is owned by Jennifer Froio. Permission to republish Summer Storm Safety in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.