Spring Driving

1. Slow down and increase your following distance when rain or mist begins to fall. Even a small amount of water can mix with oil and grease on the road to create slippery conditions.
2. Check all vehicle lighting including back-up lights, turn signals, parking lights and break lights. These lights are important not only to help you see, but serve as a way to help you communicate clearly with other motorists.
3. If you are driving in rain or fog that totally impairs visibility, pull off the road as far as possible and turn on your hazard lights.
4. To keep the inside of your windshield clear of moisture, turn on your fan and defroster.
5. Avoid driving through large puddles. The splashing water may affect your brakes, cause your car to swerve, and impair the vision of other motorists.
6. Watch for icy conditions caused by thawing snow, spring rains or mist, especially in shaded areas, on bridges and on overpasses. Remember that these areas freeze first.
7. Keep an eye out for pedestrians, who may be less alert to traffic in the rain and fog, and more difficult for you to see.
8. Watch the road to see if the vehicle ahead is leaving tire tracks, and if it is, follow in those track. If it’s not, reduce speed slowly to prevent hydroplaning.
9. Replace worn tires. Your tires are what keep the vehicle on the road. Worn out tire treads increase the chance to slide. Likewise, make sure tires are inflated properly according to your vehicle’s owners manual.
10. Use low beam headlights. High beams reflect water vapor (fog) and make it harder to see.