Tips for Safe Driving in the Rain

While it would be nice to stay inside on a rainy day, that is not always possible. If you need to get to work or run some errands, it pays to make sure you and your car are ready to be out in the elements. Car Insurance San Diego share are some driving tips that will keep you safe on those wet roads and increase the odds of not being involved in an accident.

Car Maintenance Matters

You may not see the connection between car maintenance and drive safely in the rain, but it is there. Start with taking a good look at the windshield wipers. Are they getting a little dry and brittle? If so, the time has come to invest in a new set. Being able to keep the windshield clear increases your ability to see what is going on around you, and that means being able to avoid being in an accident.

Along with your windshield wipers, have the tires checked regularly. If the thread is not wearing evenly, have the car aligned and the wheels balanced. Tires with thin tread make it harder to stop under any circumstances, but a lack of sufficient tread is especially dangerous on a wet road.

Your brakes also deserve attention. While the way you use them during a storm is a little different from sunny days, there is still the need to ensure they will bring the car to a stop if necessary. A braking system that works without locking up or grabbing makes it easier for you to control the speed and the direction of the vehicle.

Use the Lights

It does not matter if the rain is light and it is the middle of the day. When you see raindrops on the windshield that means it is time to turn on the wipers and also your lights. Doing so makes it easier for others on the road to see your vehicle. Keep in mind that the rain can go from a steady drizzle to a downpour in seconds. That is all the time it takes for the rain to obscure the view of other drivers and increase the odds of an accident happening.

Maintain a Safe Distance

You already know the rules about remaining an absolute number of car lengths behind other vehicles, especially at higher speeds. This still applies when it is raining. If anything, you want to increase the distance between you and the car ahead. Doing so provides more response time if something happens and you need to bring the car to a stop.

Remember that the goal is to get where you are going in one piece, without causing harm to anyone else. Talk with your agent about additional ways to drive safely while it is raining. Those suggestions could end up saving your life.