The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has provided some important driving tips for the rainy season:
- Slow down. Even if you’re following the speed limit on a highway, you should take weather conditions into consideration. If it’s pouring rain, with puddles along the highway, drive at the speed that is safe for roadway conditions to prevent hydroplaning.
- Give yourself a space cushion. Avoid driving in packs; give yourself time to react in case of a sudden stop to prevent hydroplaning and/or a collision.
- Check tire tread prior to driving. It’s important to check your tire tread prior driving at any point, but especially when it’s raining. Front tires should be more than an 8th of an inch in depth, with the rear more than a 16th of an inch in depth. A good way to see if your tires are in good shape is by holding a penny upside down into the tread. If the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head is visible, your tread is too shallow.
- Check your windshield wipers. During the summer, people’s wipers can get brittle, making it difficult for them to work properly when it’s pouring. Since these are essential to drive safely in the rain, check their condition and replace them if needed.
- Turn on your headlights. Visibility is compromised when it’s raining – headlights can improve this.
- Turn on your defroster. Since rain brings an increase in humidity, your windshield can fog up and make it difficult to see. Your defroster can help combat this.
- Consider postponing your drive. If your outing is nonessential, it might be safer to wait the rain out, or at least until it lets up a bit.
Read the full article in The Independent here.