If the fall brings rain, California drivers have to know the proper steps to take in order to protect themselves and their fellow travelers. Thankfully, a new report out of Georgia offers some tips that would be worthwhile for California commuters as well.
First, make sure you’re doing whatever you can to ensure that you can see others and others can see you. Engage your windshield wipers, and make sure before you head out that they’re in the proper condition. And even if the rain is light or there are clouds out, you should be turning on your headlights. That way, not only will you be able to identify potential hazards, but other drivers and pedestrians will be able to see you.
Hydroplaning is always going to be a threat in the rain, but you can protect yourself by leaving ample space between vehicles. If your vehicle hydroplanes anyway, the important thing is not to panic. Rather than immediately hitting the brakes, turn the wheel toward the direction you’re attempting to go and tap the brakes until the wheels are able to find purchase.
One way to limit your exposure to hydroplaning is to never turn on the cruise control when conditions are slick. The cruise control can’t pick up on a hydroplaning situation; as such, it actually goes faster to compensate for the lack of purchase. It’s best to eliminate cruise control from the equation entirely.