SPRING DRIVER SAFETY
Slippery When Wet: Driving in the Rain
The Canadian climate has to be one of the most varied in the world. It is hard to imagine that many other places in the world run the gamut from extreme cold and snow, to driving rains, to blistering summertime heat. All of these combine to challenge Canadian drivers, requiring a variety of skills to safely navigate our roads no matter what the elements may throw at us.
While we are now in a season that is far more forgiving than the notorious Canadian winter, spring and summertime driving still presents their own dangers. Notable among these is driving in heavy rains. Similar to snow, impaired visibility and a lack of traction are the main hazards presented by rain.
For these reasons, first and foremost, it is important to slow down during rain. Obviously, it takes much more distance and time to slow down on wet pavement than it does in dry conditions. In fact, posted speed limits are in reference to dry conditions, they do not take into account the effects of wet conditions.
It is particularly important to lower your speed upon the onset of rain. During the first 15 minutes of rainfall road oil and dust mix to make the road surface especially slippery. You should get a feel for the road conditions by gently applying the brakes to determine a safe speed and stopping distance.
Stopping distance is not, however, the only consideration in determining at what speed you should travel. During a rainstorm, the faster the vehicle is traveling, the more intense the rain will appear, thus further hampering your visibility. Take care to watch for slower moving vehicles ahead and begin decreasing your speed well in advance.
When you find yourself having to apply the brakes, do so only when traveling in a straight line. Braking on a wet surface while in a curve can easily lead to your losing control of the vehicle. Remember that with anti-lock brakes, firm, steady pressure should be applied to the brake pedal. With conventional brakes, pressure should be applied to a point before they lock up, and then repeatedly apply with short pauses between each action.
When you find yourself having to apply the brakes, do so only when traveling in a straight line. Braking on a wet surface while in a curve can easily lead to your losing control of the vehicle. Remember that with anti-lock brakes, firm, steady pressure should be applied to the brake pedal. With conventional brakes, pressure should be applied to a point before they lock up, and then repeatedly apply with short pauses between each action.
When driving during a heavy rainfall, it is also important to be wary of pooling water. It is best to remain in the centre lane while driving, as water tends to flow to the outside lanes. Large pools of water can pull your vehicle further to the edge of the roadside. A similar situation would be when your vehicle is drawn into loose gravel or a snowdrift on the side of the road. The appropriate response in all of these scenarios is to avoid any panic jerking and gradually steer your vehicle in the direction that it should be heading.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning can be a truly frightening experience. The loss of control often provokes panic, which in turn serves only to worsen the situation. According the U.S. based National Safety Council, “hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car’s weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires and the road.” This lack of traction can cause your vehicle to drift out of your lane or skid out of control.
If your vehicle begins to hydroplane the most important thing to do is remain calm and avoid any panic reactions. Gradually lessen the pressure on the gas pedal until the tires regain their grip on the roadway.
The best ways to avoid hydroplaning and skids are to:
1) Reduce your speed
2) Avoid any sudden and abrupt steering and braking maneuvers
3) Stay in the “tracks” left by the vehicle ahead.