Rain, rain, go away!

  • Published
  • By Susan Griggs
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Drivers in south Mississippi are often challenged by wet weather ranging from a misty shower to a blinding deluge. Regardless of your driving experience, you're more likely to have a collision in wet weather. When you hit the road, be prepared.

The American Automobile Association offers these tips for safer driving in rainy weather:

· Start with a vehicle with good tire tread and proper inflation, firm brakes and streak-free wipers.

· Make sure the windshield is clear and adjust mirrors before you take off.

· Practice safe driving techniques in a secluded location so you're prepared to deal with reduced visibility and traction, steering, braking and skid control.

· Wear your safety belt.

· Stop periodically during a long trip to clean your headlights. Mud and dirt splashed on your headlights can reduce illumination by up to 90 percent.

· Use low beams and fog lights in fog.

· If you can't see the edges of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance, it's time to pull off and wait for the rain to ease up.

· Stop at a rest area or go to a protected area. If the roadside is your only option, pull off the road as far as you can, preferably past the end of a guardrail. Vehicles at the side of the road are frequently struck by other drivers. Turn headlights off and emergency flashes on to alert other drivers.

· Wet roads are most dangerous during the first 10 minutes of a heavy downpour as oil and debris loosen and wash away. Poor traction increases the potential for hydroplaning, skidding or getting stuck in the mud.

· Steering around an obstacle is better than braking at speeds above 25 mph because less distance is required to steer around an object than to brake to a stop.

· To reduce chances of hydroplaning, slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply and drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.

· Avoid using cruise control in wet weather.

· Increase your following distance.