The number of collisions in Arizona is noted to have gone up by 8.6% in 2017 as compared to 2016. Whereas, the number of fatalities occurred as a result of a crash have increased by 65%. Considering these statistics, it has become important for drivers in Arizona to pay careful attention to their driving behavior. With the monsoon season not very far away, here are six tips to drive safely on the rainy days:
- Increase the Distance between Your Car and Others
Wet roads can make it hard for your brakes to kick in and stop your car as quickly as it would on a dry, sunny day. Make sure that there is plenty of room between your car and the one ahead to avoid any accidents.
- Keep Your Headlights On
Arizona law doesn’t require drivers to have their headlights on when driving with their windshield wipers on unless their visibility level is less than 1,000 feet. Rain in the Phoenix metropolitan area is often accompanied with unpleasant conditions that can make driving difficult. We suggest that drivers keep their headlights on, and wipers too if the rain is heavy, to appear more visible to other drivers on the road. As local auto glass repair shops like http://www.suntecautoglass.com suggest, keeping your wipers in good condition as well as your windshield free from cracks or damage will decrease distractions in inclement weather and help drivers be less likely to get into accidents.
- Be Prepared to Pull Over
It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you ever feel uncomfortable driving in the rain or feel like your visibility is being compromised, we suggest that you avoid taking any risk and simply pull over in a safe area and wait for the weather to settle down.
- Avoid Using Cruise Control
The use of cruise control is not advisable during the rainy season, as it can prove to be dangerous. Cruise control is a valuable piece of technology that plays an important role in saving gas and keeps drivers from exceeding the set speed limit. However, cruise control becomes disabled as soon as the driver steps on the brake, which can worsen a skidding situation and lead to serious accidents during rainy conditions.
- Remain Towards the Center of the Road
Many a times, rainwater often leads to the development of puddles towards the edges of the road throughout the AZ Valley. You should drive in the middle of the road to protect your vehicle from any damage caused by potholes.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is normal, especially during rain. The concept of hydroplaning (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaplaning) is that when a layer of water comes in between your tires and the road, the vehicle tends to lose traction and begins to hydroplane. In such a situation, we recommend that you keep your calm and refrain from immediately hitting the brakes. Instead, you should decelerate your vehicle slowly, continue to steer your wheel straight, and safely drive your car off the road.
By following these six tips, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe while on the road. When driving in rainy conditions, it is important for all responsible drivers to make sure that their vehicle’s maintenance is up-to-date and it is in the right shape to be driven in rather difficult road conditions.
