Driving in the Rain Safety
Water on the roadway becomes a lubricant that makes road surfaces slick. It’s also said that oil and dust on the road can make the road surface even slicker. Combined with high speeds, wet roads become deadly. It takes diligence on the part of the driver to stay safe during rainy drives. Reduce vehicle speeds. Scan ahead. Wear your seat belt. Reduce distractions. Focus on the road ahead. Review these safety tips with drivers in your organization.
11 Worksafe Tips For Driving Safely In The Rain
- Everyone in the vehicle should wear their seat belt.
- Leave early and plan a route that avoids traffic congestion.
- Its Missouri law that whenever wipers are used, headlights must be on.
- Reduce vehicle speeds – avoid hydroplaning.
- Hydroplaning means that the vehicles’ tires actually travel on top of a water layer instead of contacting the road surface.
- Hydroplaning can cause the vehicle to spin out of control, much like it is on ice.
- If hydroplaning occurs, keep the steering wheel straight and let off of the gas pedal.
- Gently apply brakes – don’t lock them up!
- Avoid a collision by scanning ahead for:
- Accidents
- Water over the road
- Stopped or slowed traffic
- Reduce distractions like:
- Cell phone use
- Eating, drinking, grooming
- Manipulating vehicle systems
- GPS
- Changing CDs or radio stations
- Focus on the road ahead and give driving full concentration during the rain.
- Don’t use cruise control – the vehicle may actually accelerate when hydroplaning occurs! Use your headlights.
- If rain becomes heavy, pull off of the roadway into a parking lot or side street to wait it out.
- Never drive through rushing water over the roadway.
- Water can easily pick up and move an automobile!
