Spring and summer bring rainstorms, and that means wet pavement on Texas roads. It is a good idea to avoid driving in wet weather, but that is not always possible. For example, sometimes storms come up suddenly while you are already on the road.
When the pavement is wet, it becomes slippery, making it more difficult for tires to maintain traction. Safe driving during wet weather means making modifications to your usual driving habits to compensate for the conditions.
Slow down
There are two reasons why you should slow down when driving in wet weather. The first is to maintain a greater stopping distance between you and the other drivers. The second is to avoid hydroplaning. This occurs when your tires lose contact with the road surface and instead rise on a thin film of water. Hydroplaning increases your risk of losing control of your vehicle.
Check your equipment
You should make sure that your tires maintain the appropriate air pressure and that the treads are in good condition. This makes it easier for them to maintain traction.
It is also important to ensure that you can see other vehicles and that they can see you. Make sure all your lights and signals are working. If your windshield wiper inserts do not clear your field of vision in a single swipe, replace them.
Avoid cruise control
When the road is wet, sometimes it is necessary to reduce your speed by taking your foot off the accelerator to prevent loss of traction. This does not work when the cruise control is on. You should only use cruise control in dry conditions.
Respond appropriately to a skid
When your vehicle starts moving in an unexpected direction, it is important not to panic. Avoid slamming on the brakes as this can make the skid worse. Steer the car in the direction you want to go. This is easier to do if you look in that direction.
In the United States, approximately 1.2 million traffic crashes per year involve wet pavement. Be careful not to overdrive the conditions when the weather is unfavorable.
