Heavy rain wears your wiper blades, so be sure you carry an extra set to always maintain visibility on the road.īrakes: Ensure full functionality while on the road. Windows: Ensure visibility of them and for the functionality of your wipers. Tires: Ensure they’re not wearing, as that can lead to traction loss and hydroplaning. For rain, specifically, it’s recommended to check. Routine and pre-trip inspections are so important as a preventative measure to stay safe and feel confident about the condition of your vehicle. Stow some of those extra snacks and drinks to stay energized and hydrated within reach for easy access when needed. This includes setting up your GPS navigation, keeping your CB radio on low, and turning off and moving any other electronic devices away that could affect your concentration. Important things to call out specifically include:Įnsuring everything is in its right place before you head out will set you up for success. ![]() Check out this article “ What to pack in an all-seasons truck driver emergency kit,” which lists the necessities in 3 distinct categories such as 1). ![]() Pack / RE-Stock your Emergency KitĬhances are you already have an emergency kit in your truck, so make sure it’s fully stocked and ready to go in the event you might need it. Start by reviewing your route and checking for any weather alerts or road closures along the way. This means even before your pre-trip inspection. Review Your Routeīefore you depart, ensure careful and detailed planning. We’ve got 10 helpful and practical tips for you to stay safe when driving in heavy rain. Staying safe while driving in the rain begins long before you turn your engine on to depart with pre pre-trip planning (no, that is not a typo - this is the planning even before your pre-trip inspection). While drivers always need to be attentive and focused on the road, the rain brings added challenges and demands. This is because the sides of dry van trailers - the sail area - are prone to catching wind. However, it’s especially dangerous for empty or light trailers due to the risk of a rollover crash. Severe thunderstorms bring strong winds, which is a dangerous situation for any type of tractor-trailer. As temperatures rise, higher levels of water evaporate into the air, which leads to an increase in heavier rainfalls, and in turn, an increase in floods, winds, soil erosion, and more. Remember these simple tips for driving in heavy rain to keep yourself and others on the road safer during bad weather.They say April showers bring May flowers, but one of the many devastating effects of climate change is more frequent and intense precipitation all year round. While driving through puddles that have gathered along roadsides or medians is not advisable if possible, leaving extra room between yourself and other vehicles will give you necessary room should you be forced into watery areas by traffic and struggle with control of your vehicle.ĭriving in heavy rain can be challenging and dangerous. Keep your distance – You should leave extra room between yourself and other cars on the road because braking distance will likely be increased due to water on the pavement. The brighter and clearer your headlights are, the safer you will be in adverse weather conditions. ![]() If your headlights are old, scratched, dull and cloudy, consider having headlight restoration performed on your vehicle. Drive with your low beams on instead of high beams as your high beams can actually make it harder for you to see in the rain. The more visible you are to other vehicles, the safer you are and the more likely you are to avoid unnecessary accidents. Run your headlights – Another tip for rainy weather is driving with headlights on (even during the daytime) for better visibility. Be mindful of likely puddling and flash flooding, which could potentially cause hydroplaning and steer clear of excess water when driving on wet roads. This means driving with caution and anticipating that other drivers might not see your car on the road through the rain as well as they would if it were dry outside. Since driving fast is especially dangerous in rainy driving conditions, try to stick with lower speeds if possible and avoid driving too fast around turns or driving up and down hills.ĭrive defensively – Drive defensively in heavy rain. Driving too fast increases your risk of hydroplaning and skidding on water, where your tires lose their grip on the ground, and you actually end up driving on the surface of the water. Slow down – The first thing you should do when driving in heavy rain is slow your speed down. It’s important to understand the best way to handle driving in heavy rain before hitting the road. Rainy driving can be scary, not only because it is difficult to see the roads through the windshield, but also because slippery conditions make driving much more challenging and dangerous.
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