Today bikes were loaded and we were all ready to move onward towards home. We made it as far as Memphis area and the sky opened up.
Rain in stormy, rainy, windy weather is never fun. Even a light drizzle can cause problems. Driving in the rain requires more focus. It can be scary when rain is coming down at a rate faster than your wipers can handle. Or, the car in front of you is not visible through the downpour. Hydroplaning is a risk too. Puddles form and rain mixes with oil on the road creating slippery conditions.
I am very aware most weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement or during rainfall. In fact, each year about 4,800 people die and 384,000 sustain injury as a result of car crashes on wet pavement. When driving in the rain, I always want to use extra caution.
For instance...
It is paramount to use the headlights. Most state laws require it. This means even if it’s 1:00 in the afternoon. Headlights help to see better. Additionally, they help other drivers see my car. But, daytime running lights do not help in the rain. Drivers behind you need to see your lights too. I always remember – wipers on, headlights on!
I always try to maintain a safe following distance. Under normal conditions, it is said you would drive at least three seconds behind the car in front. But this should increase in bad weather. It’s especially important to increase the distance when driving behind trucks and buses. The spray created by their large tires reduces visibility.
I Don’t speed. The faster you go, the harder it is for your tires to maintain traction with the road. By driving slower, I've giving my tires more time to scatter the water on the road. This helps to avoid hydroplaning.
I never use the cruise control in rain. Cruise control will cause the car to speed up if I hit a puddle or begin to hydroplane. This can creates a dangerous situation.
I have learned that if you ever begin to hydroplane, remain calm and do not make any sudden movements. I do not jerk my steering wheel, speed up hard, or slam on my brakes. Instead, I let off the gas and steer the car straight or in the direction of the skid. Doing this until I regain contact with the road.
I always avoid flooded roads. If I see a large puddle and am unsure of the depth of the water, I don’t drive through it. I know I risk getting stuck or ruining my car.
I don’t drive through moving water. If water is crossing the road, I turn around. It may not look like a strong current, but it could carry me off the road. It's "Turn around, don’t drown."
I always try to be prepared for wind. Some rainstorms bring heavy wind. If I feel my car move after a big wind gust, I hold onto the steering wheel and don’t panic. Make slight adjustments to stay in my lane. Also, I try to be aware of large trucks and buses on the road. They are more susceptible to high winds due to their larger surface area.
I also know to watch for debris on the road. This can include objects such as fallen trees or branches. Downed power lines can also present danger.
It's "See and be seen." If it’s raining so hard that I can’t see the road or the cars around me I pull over when it is safe to do so. & just wait it out. Also, if I can’t see the road, I put on your four-way flashers and find a safe place to pull off the road... and I mean I pull my car as far off the road as possible. Other cars may have trouble seeing the road too and might not see me.
After witnessing two accidents this evening we decided to take our own advice and pull off the road for the night.
Tomorrow will be lighter and we will be more refreshed to handle the road and all it throws at us!
Nana
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