Driving In The Rain 

By Seth Loudon 

Now that winter has ended, it’s time for April showers. 

Many students drive to school and among them may be many new drivers. It’s important for everyone to remember how to properly drive in the rain in case they find themselves in torrential downpours on the way to Oakmont. 

First of all, you should obviously be going slower in the rain and leaving more space in between the car in front of you. Also, keep an eye on the car in front of you in case they get in an accident.

You also want to avoid heavy braking in the rain. You should try to let off the gas earlier than usual, in preparation to stop.

Watch out for standing water too. Most roads are built with the middle of the road higher than the sides. Standing water can lead to hydroplaning, which is when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. Drive carefully around large puddles in the road to avoid this.

Hydroplaning is one of the most common ways to get into an accident in the rain. If you find yourself hydroplaning, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes. (Source: https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-rain/) 

Rain can also cause humidity levels to increase. Your windshield may become foggy in the rain. Most cars have a ventilation system built in to reduce this type of fog on the interior of your windshield. But if you can’t stop the fog, it may get bad enough to where you will have to pull over. 

National Highway Safety Administration studies have shown that 46% of weather-related car accidents occur when driving in the rain, while only 17% when it is snowing. 

The main reason Rain accidents are higher is because rain occurs much more frequently than snow. 

Officer Rameau had these tips for drivers. Drive slow, and make sure you have your headlights on ( it’s a violation if you don’t). And to watch out for puddles to avoid hydroplaning.  Officer Rameau also said to not get distracted, looking at something on the side of the road could lead to a crash.

These are all things that new drivers attending Oakmont should consider to keep safe in the rain, Drive safe.