Full Notification

Safety starts before you begin to drive.

• See and be seen! Replace windshield wiper inserts that leave streaks or don’t clear the glass in a single swipe.

• Make sure all headlights, tail-lights, brake lights and turn signals are properly functioning so other drivers will see you during downpours.

• Turn on your headlights whenever you drive.

• Rain or high humidity can quickly cause windows to mist up inside the car. Turn on the defroster, including the rear window defroster if your vehicle is equipped with one.

• Proper tire tread depth and inflation are imperative to maintaining good traction on wet roadways. Check tread depth with a quarter inserted upside down into the tire groove. If you can see above Washington’s head, start shopping for new tires. Check each tire’s pressure, including the spare, at least once a month… and, be sure to check the pressure when the tires are cold.

When driving in wet-weather conditions, it is important to concentrate fully on every aspect of driving. Avoiding cruise control will allow the driver more options to choose from when responding to a potential loss-of-traction situation, thus maximizing your safety.

To reduce chances of hydroplaning, drivers should slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply and drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you. Also, it’s important for motorists to allow ample stopping distance between cars by increasing the following distance of the vehicle in front of them and beginning to slow down to stop for intersections, turns and other traffic early.