How to Safely Handle Driving through Heavy Rainstorms

With spring finally arriving in Northern Illinois, we can expect to see quite a few showers soaking up our streets. It can be easy to ignore a sprinkling or two, but bad habits can form dangerously fast, and that is never a good thing when it comes to driving or weather. We hope that you stay safe on the roads, which is why we have decided to provide a short list of driving safety reminders so that you can remain secure while driving in the rain.

What to Do with Rain on the Road

• Wait: If at all possible, postpone your commute or journey until the weather has improved. If you can avoid hazardous driving, do so whenever possible.

• Improve Your Visibility: While it seems like an obvious suggestion, some drivers can easily become distracted when they come across dangerous weather conditions. Always use your windshield wipers, ventilate the vehicle, and turn on your headlights, even in light rain, as it only takes a few seconds of limited visibility to lose control of your vehicle in bad weather.

• Drive Defensively: With wet roads, you will want to take your foot off the accelerator and reduce your speed. Driving defensively means driving safely in the rain, as you won’t have to slam your brake pedal with a measurable distance between you and the car in front of you.

• Beware Standing Water: Driving through standing water is a common cause for hydroplaning, which is an easy way to lose traction. Whenever possible, avoid this hazard, and if you do find yourself hydroplaning, just remove your foot from the accelerator and just steer towards the correct direction. Braking or sudden turning can cause your car to wreck in wet conditions.

• Prepare Beforehand – A tip for driving in any condition is to make sure your vehicle is properly prepared for wet weather. Make sure your tire tread depth is properly maintained and that your headlights are working properly by getting them serviced at a mechanic

If you would like assistance with ensuring your vehicle is prepared for the rainy conditions, then come to the service department at 94 Nissan in South Holland.