Whether you are commuting to work, picking the kids up from school or traveling to or from a holiday destination, you may find yourself driving in wet weather. Wet roads alter the responsiveness and handling of your vehicle and if you are not aware of the risks, you may find yourself facing driving situations that you were not expecting.
Leave a safe braking distance
In wet weather, your tyres will lose heat and traction compared with driving on a warm, fine day. To compensate for this, you need to leave more space between you and other vehicles sharing the road. Emergency braking in the wet will require longer distances to stop your car. If you do not leave enough room and brake too hard, you may lose control of your vehicle and collide with another.
Turn your headlights on
Being visible in cloudy and wet conditions is imperative. Driving with your headlights on makes it easier for other road users to see you. When your headlights are on, your taillights are also on, so vehicles approaching from the rear have a clear indication of where you are on the road.
Aquaplaning
Aquaplaning, or hydroplaning occurs when water on the road causes your vehicle to lose traction. When a vehicle is aquaplaning, there is no ability to steer, accelerate or brake. Driving too fast or entering flooded portions of the road can result in loss of traction. Slow down to avoid this happening.
Plan your drive
Making sure you are aware of the route that you need to travel and leaving with plenty of time to spare, ensures that you will not be taking any unnecessary risks on the way.
Regardless of how much care you take when driving in wet and inclement weather, there is always the risk that others around you are not doing the same. Collisions do occur in these situations and you may be entitled to access right to drive accident replacement vehicles. So, take care out there on the road and keep not at fault car hire in mind if someone else causes you the inconvenience of an accident.
