With another band of heavy rain and thunderstorms rolling in this afternoon; now is the perfect time to learn how to handle the dangerous event of hydroplaning.
Heavy rains not only limit your visibility while driving, they also hinder vehicle traction, which can lead to hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road due to rainy conditions. When your vehicle hydroplanes, you lose the ability to steer effectively, gain traction, and brake.
Did you know that the roads are the most dangerous during the first 10 minutes after it rains? This is due to the fact that the rain mixes with oil residue on the road, creating slippery mixture that increases the risk of hydroplaning. The likelihood of hydroplaning increases during periods of heavy rainfall when the water is covering the road faster than it can drain.
By following these simple steps, you can prevent your vehicle from hydroplaning:
- Know The Road:
- Interior lanes are safer than exterior lanes during rain storms- water drains to the outer lanes before it runs onto the shoulder.
- If you know a certain road is known to be hilly or low-lying, try to take another route to your destination.
- Avoid driving through standing water or large puddles.
- Slow Down:
- Drive smart, slow down to allow your tires to scatter the water rather than glide over top.
- Check Your Tires & Wiper Blades:
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated, properly rotated, and of good tread.
- Replace any wiper blades that make noise or leave streaks.
For more information about how to drive in heavy rains or how to handle hydroplaning, feel free to check out Erie Insurance’s informative articles at the link below! http://www.eriesense.com/how-to-handle-hydroplaning/#.U4YikBLD9iB