November is the heart of the rainy season in Washington state. During this month, roads will be more dangerous to all drivers. In light of the recent reports of storms and floods rocking the state, the Seattle Times urged Seattle residents to take certain measures in order to help reduce the risk of flooding during this season. In addition to helping prevent flooding by keeping storm drains clear, locals should also take precautions to avoid accidents that are more likely to happen due to slippery conditions on the roadways.
Safety First: Keep Your Car Well Maintained
To avoid accidents, drivers should not forget that wet-weather driving requires a vehicle that is ready for emergency situations. Have your car thoroughly checked by a Certified Technician and keep your tires properly inflated at all times. Consider getting wet-weather tires to improve traction, which will help keep you and your passengers safe.
Due to the heavy rain we get in Washington, you should also consider replacing your windshield wipers if they no longer clear the glass in one swipe. In addition, keep an emergency driving kit in your car fitted with snow brushes, kitty litter/sand, an ice scraper, extra batteries, blankets, gloves, and tire chains. Having a pair of warm waterproof boots is a good idea as well.
Avoid Visibility Problems
It is not unlike us to see dirt and mud covering cars’ headlights during a rainy day. However, leaving that dirt and mud in place, especially during longer drives, will severely reduce visibility.
In order to make sure that your headlight illumination isn’t being negatively impacted by dirt, stop often when traveling longer distances to clean your headlights off. Also, regularly have your headlights and taillights checked to ensure they are working properly. If during storms or rainfalls you can no longer see other vehicles or even the edge of the highway due to heavy rainfall, get off the road and avoid driving until the weather conditions improve. Avoid parking on the side of the road to prevent accidents. Instead, find a rest area or a parking structure where you and your vehicle are protected.
While driving during rainfall or freezing weather, open a window and use your AC and defroster to defog the glass. Always make sure your windshield is free of ice, frost and fog when operating your vehicle.
Use Extra Caution While Driving In The Rain
Roads become especially slippery during the first 10 minutes of a heavy downpour. That means that while driving, your tires will likely experience poor traction. In order to avoid accidents, slow down, keep greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, and reduce the chances of hydroplaning by driving steadily and slowly and avoiding hard braking and sharp turns.
For more tips on how to drive safely during this season in Seattle, follow this link.
