Summer may not be the rainiest season of the year, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t encounter a few storms here and there. As a new driver, you may feel safer driving in the rain than driving in the snow, but driving in the rain unprepared can pose the same amount of risk. It’s important to practice driving in all types of weather conditions to help build your confidence behind the wheel, and in today’s post, we will give you a few tips to help you feel more safe and secure when driving in the rain.
Learning how to drive is an exciting milestone in a person’s life, and you want to be sure that you take the necessary training from a driving school that you can trust. At Cindy Cohen School of Driving in Pittsburgh, we offer Top Rated Local® driver’s education courses, including behind-the-wheel training, driver’s theory, and more! Our instructors are certified by the state of Pennsylvania, and we will work one-on-one with you in order to help you gain the confidence you need to pass your driver’s exam. Visit us online to learn more about our programs and contact Cindy Cohen School of driving to get started today!
Use Your Windshield Wipers
Turning on your windshield wipers when it starts to rain may seem like common knowledge, but you would be surprised to learn how many people don’t turn them on soon enough. You will also want to keep in mind the rules of the road that are specific for driving in the rain. For example, some states require that you turn on your headlights when your windshield wipers are in use. If this is the case, then it’s important that you obey the law and make sure that your headlights are on to make it easier for other cars to see you on the road.
Increase Following Distance
When it first starts to rain, you want to immediately increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. Driving during the very beginning of a rainstorm is when there is the biggest chance for accidents. When the rain falls on the pavement, it mixes with the oils left behind by cars and other vehicles. The mingling of water and oil causes the roads to become slick, making them a hazard for drivers who are not driving cautiously. For this reason, it’s best to increase your following distance to ensure that you have plenty of room to stop given the slippery conditions.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
If you’re driving in any type of hazardous conditions, it’s important that you pay attention to the road. You want to limit your distractions as much as possible and focus on the other cars in front of you. One of the most common mistakes people make when driving on slippery roads is that they slam on their brakes. Slamming on your brakes during a rainstorm can lead to hydroplaning or even sliding into another car. It’s in your best interest to keep your eyes on the road and give yourself plenty of room to make a safe stop.
Interested in Driving Lessons?
At Cindy Cohen School of Driving, we offer a wide variety of driver’s education courses to help you learn the skills you need to pass your driver’s test. We will work with you one-on-one and customize the lessons to meet your needs and help you achieve your goals. Whether you need to gain confidence when driving in a storm or you need to take a driver’s theory course, we can help you develop the skills you need to stay safe on the road. Visit us online to view a list of our services and contact Cindy Cohen School of Driving to sign up today!