April showers may bring May flowers here in Middle Tennessee, but they also bring slick roads, reduced visibility, and increased risks for drivers. As Spring unfolds and rain becomes more frequent, motorists must prioritize safety behind the wheel.
Whether commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, you may find our crucial vehicle safety tips helpful when navigating through the rainy days of Spring in our area.
What Are Some Crucial Vehicle Safety Tips For Driving In Wet Weather?
Following the following vehicle safety tips means you can confidently navigate through April showers and other rainy days and reduce the risk of accidents on wet roads. Remember, your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be your top priority, regardless of the weather conditions.
Here are ten tips for driving safely during April showers:
- Check Your Tires. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. Tires with worn treads can increase the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads, while underinflated tires reduce traction and handling capabilities.
- Maintain Wipers and Lights. Visibility is vital in rainy conditions. Check that your windshield wipers are in good condition and effectively clear the windshield. Additionally, ensure all lights function correctly, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- Slow Down. Reduce speed when driving in the rain. Wet roads decrease tire traction, making stopping or maneuvering quickly more challenging, so it’s wise to slow down.
- Avoid Using Cruise Control. Using cruise control on wet roads can lead to loss of traction and control. Maintaining complete vehicle control is best by driving manually and adjusting your speed.
- Increase Following Distance. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one before you. Increasing the following distance to at least three seconds is advisable in rainy conditions to allow for adequate reaction time.
- Be Mindful of Hydroplaning. When a layer of water builds between the tires and the road surface, causing a loss of traction, known as hydroplaning. If you start to hydroplane, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go until you regain control.
- Avoid Puddles. It takes time to determine the depth of standing water on the road. Avoid driving through large puddles, as they may conceal hazards or cause water to splash onto your vehicle’s engine components, potentially damaging them.
- Use Defoggers and Air Conditioning. Keep your windows clear using your vehicle’s defoggers and air conditioning system; this helps prevent condensation buildup on the inside of windows, ensuring optimal visibility.
- Stay Informed. Before heading out, check weather forecasts and road conditions. Stay updated on any advisories or warnings in your area to anticipate potential hazards and plan your route accordingly.
- Stay Calm and Focused. Driving in rainy conditions can be stressful, especially during heavy downpours or thunderstorms. Stay calm, focus on the road ahead, and avoid distractions such as texting or adjusting the radio.
In Case Of An Accident, Who Do I Call?
Call Tow Pro, of course! If you need us, you can reach us at (615) 256-8697 (TOWS) or by filling out our contact form online. With offices in Nashville, we are available 24/7 for emergency towing needs!
Tow Pro is your best choice for emergency towing in Nashville, Memphis, and other locations because we offer various reliable, light-duty services. For over 20 years, our vast fleet of light-duty and medium-duty tow trucks has a history of saving the day for Middle Tennessee residents with 24-hour assistance and cheap car towing services near you. It’s our goal to get you back on the road and on with your day as quickly as we can.
When you need a tow, the last thing you have time to do is research which towing company will be equipped to tow your vehicle! Just call Tow Pro. Whether it’s a motorcycle or a pickup truck, we have the equipment and expertise to get your vehicle to its intended destination. We can handle a wide variety of light to medium-duty towing vehicles, such as:
- Motorcycles
- Scooters
- Cars
- SUVs
- Pickup Trucks
- Landscaping Trucks
- Box Trucks
- Vans
- Small Buses and more!
With over twenty years of experience in quality towing, hauling, and roadside assistance services in Middle Tennessee, including Brentwood, Franklin, and Antioch, you can count on Tow Pro to do the job well.
Our team at Tow Pro makes it a priority to always have friendly, personable staff to help you navigate difficult driving situations.