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Driver Safety in Wet Road Conditions

Aquaplanage

With the rain starting to come back in Oregon, it is important to stay safe during the wet and rainy road conditions.

To prepare for the weather, make sure you have windshield wipers that function properly to allow you maximum visibility while driving.  Make sure headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are all in proper condition.  Whenever your windshield wipers are on, so should your headlights.

Check your tires to make sure you have good tread depth and traction.  Tire pressure is important to check at least once a month to ensure the best traction on wet roadways.

Try and avoid cruise control when driving in wet conditions.  When cruise control is engaged, loss of traction increases since you are no longer controlling the acceleration of your vehicle.  Not using cruise control will allow you to concentrate fully on every aspect of your driving to maximize your safety.

Always leave extra room behind the vehicle in front of you to avoid accidents.  Slow down to reduce the chances of hydroplaning and avoid hard braking, turning sharply and driving in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.

If a driver feels their car begin to skid, it’s important to not panic.  Make sure to continue to look and steer in the direction you wish the car to go in.  Avoid slamming on your brakes as you have more of a change to lose control.

Be extra cautious in wet weather to avoid car accidents.