At Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford, we know how unpredictable the Texas weather can be. Even in the fall, weather temperatures and conditions can vastly vary. This is the time of year we can see more wet weather conditions, so it’s important to slow down and prepare for changing roadway conditions.
According the AAA, wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes each year. So, what can you do to keep yourself save when you get caught in the rain?
Maintenance Matters
Before You Hit the Road, it’s important to think of what can be done to keep you safe and seen, even in poor weather conditions. AAA says you should make sure to replace windshield wiper inserts that leave streaks or don’t clear the glass in a single swipe. Make sure all headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are properly functioning so other drivers will see you during downpours. Turn on your headlights whenever you drive.
Tired Tires?
Are you vehicle’s tires in good shape. Do you know if you have appropriate tire tread depth? Are they over or under inflated? These are all factors to having good traction, which is especially important on wet road. Check your car, truck or SUV’s tire pressure, including your spare, monthly. Make sure to do so when your tires are cold, and not after you’ve been on the road for a long time. When in doubt, bring them into Prestige Ford in Garland (serving Mesquite, Rockwall, greater Dallas, Plano, Richardson) to be check out for free*.
No Cruise Zone
Cruise control is a great feature, but AAA warns that when used in wet conditions, the chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase. To prevent loss of traction, the driver may need to reduce the car’s speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be accomplished when cruise control is engaged.
Driving in wet-weather conditions requires total attention and concentrating . By avoiding the use of cruise control it can help keep a driver more engaged and quicker to react to any potential issues that may arise.
Slow it Down!
This is a no brainer. When it’s wet you need to slow down. One it can help reduce your vehicles chance of hydroplaning, which can become an issue with water on the ground. AAA says with as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road. So, drivers should reduce their speed to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. At speeds as low as 35 mph, new tires can still lose some contact with the roadway.
Slowing down can also allow more time to react to a situation. Which leads to another important tip, allow ample space between you and the vehicles around you. Wet weather requires more braking time and reaction time. So a little extra space can help you be in a safer place as you travel in less than desirable conditions.
Skid’ish?
The AAA says that even the most experience and careful drivers can skid. Should you find yourself in that situation, here are steps AAA list on their site:
- Continue to look and steer in the direction in which the driver wants the car to go.
- Avoid slamming on the brakes as this will further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to control.
It’s easier said than done, but AAA goes on to state, “Don’t panic, and avoid slamming on the brakes to maintain control.”
You can’t control others and their actions on the road, especially on bad weather days, but you can prep, slow down and take actions to help keep yourself as safe as possible.
If you need new tires, automotive service or are ready for a new car, truck or SUV, take the short drive on 635 to Garland Road and Shiloh. You can learn more about our Dallas-Fort Worth area Ford dealership at www.PrestigeFord.com!
Be careful out there, Prestige Ford friends.
Source: http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/wet-weather-driving-tips/#.WgNnEmUXdcY