The Florida summers see a lot of pop-up rain showers and thunderstorms, so it’s important to know how to handle yourself as a driver if you are out on the road when one of these weather events occurs. If the rain gets particularly heavy, below are some tips you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Keep your car well-maintained: Make it a point to regularly clean your windshields and windows so that the water does not smear your glass during storms. If your windshield wiper blades start to streak or don’t work as effectively as they once did, switch them out. Check the levels of your washer fluid and add more as necessary, and make sure your headlights, taillights and turn signals are in good condition. Finally, check your tire pressure and add air as needed.
- Turn your lights on: Your headlights should be on any time it is raining to improve visibility. Don’t flip on your brights, as that will only irritate other drivers. Having your regular headlights on is a courtesy to others on the road, as they will be able to better see you through the precipitation.
- Take it slow: Increase your following distances and slow down any time it rains heavily and gets slick. This reduces your chance of losing control of your vehicle. If you do start to hydroplane, just continue to steer in the direction you want to go.
- Don’t go into deep water: If the water is starting to cover some of the road markings, it’s a good idea to get off the road. You can start to lose control of your vehicle quickly in such cases, and hydroplaning becomes more likely. In very deep water, your engine could stall, trapping you in rising water.
For more driving safety tips and rules, work with an experienced Manatee County auto accident lawyer at Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh.