WELLINGTON CTY. – Rain has been blamed for thousands of collisions yearly and police say many of those crashes are preventable.
Many drivers are unaware fair weather and foul weather driving is fundamentally different. Even the best drivers can get a little nervous about driving in rain, but it can be more of a challenge for older adults or people with disabilities, who may have vision limitations.
When the road is wet, the film of the water on the asphalt causes tires to lose traction.
OPP Constable Mark Cloes said being prepared and taking it slow can help drivers feel more secure on the road. By following these driving tips, drivers can make their drive less stressful and they will help people to get to their destinations safely:
– Allow more travel time You should plan to drive at a slower rate than normal when the roads are wet. Keep in mind that traffic is likely to be moving slower too.
– Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally Wet pavement can be slippery and will increase the stopping distance required for the car in front. It also signals the driver behind that the car ahead is slowing down.
– Turn on headlights, even when there is a light sprinkle It helps the driver see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see the vehicle.
– Watch out for pedestrians Walkers may become distracted by fiddling with an umbrella or a rain jacket. Keep a sharp eye out for people on the road.
– Defog the windows Rain will quickly cause the windshield to fog up. Switch on both front and rear defrosters to help keep windows clear.
– Stay closer to the middle of the road Most roads are crowned in the middle, which means that the water will run off to the sides.
