Heavy rains caused myriad accidents and injuries just a few weeks ago in the Baltimore area.
Troy Green, of the Towson office of AAA Mid-Atlantic, headquartered in Delaware, reported that many citizens turned to his office for tips on the best ways to stay safe in such conditions.
“One of the most important things if you are caught in such a rain is to make sure you have your [car] lights on,” he said. “That is the law in Maryland whenever it?s raining outside.”
Plus, it just makes good safety sense to give other drivers every opportunity to see yourcar. Consider some of these other safety ideas from Green and his AAA colleagues Ed Kriston and Jeff Boone.
» Slow down. It?s important to remember that the speed limit is created for ideal, dry road conditions. Don?t drive it during poor weather.
» Beware of hydroplaning. That condition, when the car drives on top of the water, is caused when the channels in tire tread can?t expel water; it causes drivers to lose directional control of the car. Slow down to avoid this. Also, when buying tires, tell the salesperson that you plan to drive in rain, snow and other weather. That makes a difference on what tire you should buy.
» Leave ample distance between your car and the one ahead of you. Green recommended at least three cars lengths. If the rain is very heavy, consider pulling under an underpass or, better still, into a parking lot.
» Use your flashers, especially if you pull to the side of the road or drive slowly. Tractor-trailer drivers use their flashers in such conditions to ensure that other drivers can see them. If you do drive slowly, move to the right lane.
» If you come across a tree that has created a hazard, flash your lights so oncoming traffic are on alert. Boone said such courtesy by one driver during a recent storm helped him be on the lookout for the hazard.
» Remember to have your air conditioner well-maintained. If it isn?t, your windshield defoggers could fail in such weather.
