Rain is something drivers will have to deal with regardless of where you are in the country. Here in Beaverton, we’re used to seeing more rain than snow. We’re slightly above the national average for rainfall, but we’re well below average for snowfall. Our team here at Beaverton Car Company is going to share a few tips on how to stay safe behind the wheel while it’s raining.

Believe it or not, wet pavement is the cause of more than one million traffic crashes each year. Visibility is one of the most important factors when it comes to staying safe during rainfall. Be sure your windshield wipers are functioning properly and that all headlights and taillights are working. To ensure safety even further, be sure to have tires with proper tread for extra grip on the road.

Top 3 Tips for Driving in the Rain

1. Don’t Use Cruise Control – This feature is best used in dry conditions. When the pavement is wet, cruise control can be extremely dangerous. If weather conditions are deteriorating and the rain is coming down hard, we suggest turning off the cruise control and giving 100 percent of your attention to the road ahead.
2. Leave Room Between Cars – Driving too fast with rain on the roadway can cause hydroplaning, which is when your tires rise up above the road on a film of water. This is extremely dangerous because it’s very easy to lose control if this occurs. Always keep plenty of space between you and the car ahead in case you have to stop abruptly.
3. Remain Calm During Skid – Regardless of how safe you’re driving, you can still skid out depending on the road conditions. If this happens, it’s important to remain calm so you can stay in control of your vehicle. If and when you start to skid, be sure to continue steering in the direction you want to go. Try to avoid slamming on the brakes as much as possible because it could actually make things worse.

Overall, it’s important to remain calm and collective behind the wheel – especially while driving in challenging weather conditions. If the roadways are wet, there’s a good chance they’ll be slippery. Take caution ahead of time by slowing down and paying extra attention to keep you and everyone else safe on the road.

Those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact our team here at Beaverton Car Company for more information. Drivers can get behind the wheel of a pre-owned vehicle of their dreams by scheduling a test drive online today.