While many parts of the country see increased rain in the spring, New England residents may experience wet weather at any time of year. Preparing to drive during slick conditions can reduce your risk of a serious auto accident.
Use these safety tips when you have to venture out on the road during a rainstorm.
Check your tires
Pressure and tread help keep your tires in contact with the road and you in control of the vehicle. Check your tires’ pressure and inflate them to manufacturer specifications if necessary when rain is in the forecast. As for tread, instead of using the old trick with a penny, insert a quarter upside down into the tire tread. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, replace the tires.
Turn off cruise control
While most modern cars have this helpful feature, cruise control can increase your risk of an accident when the roads are wet. If your car starts to slide, you need to stop accelerating, which you cannot do manually with cruise control engaged.
Use your headlights
Drivers in New Hampshire must use headlights when driving in inclement weather. In general, if your windshield wipers are on, your headlights should also be on. The lights provide visibility that helps prevent other drivers from hitting you and allows you to see further than you could without lights.
Reduce your speed
Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road because of a layer of water on the surface. Driving slowly reduces the risk of hydroplaning. Remember that the speed limit indicates the fastest speed in ideal conditions, so you should limit speed when rain falls. Keep a safe following distance from other vehicles so you have more time to stop if you need to do so.
When you experience an auto accident injury caused by another driver’s negligence, you have three years to seek financial compensation in New Hampshire. These damages allow you to recover medical expenses and other costs of the injury.