The number of monthly car accidents in Tennessee increases as the weather gets warmer. It makes sense: more and more people are out on the road, so the chances of getting into an accident go up. But while August is the most dangerous month to drive in Tennessee, April showers can do some serious damage.
If you have to drive in rainy weather, keep these tips care of Goodyear in mind.
- Slow down. Speeding + rain = disaster. The wet streets don’t provide as much traction for your tires, and the rain decreases your visibility.
- Don’t tailgate. Tailgating is a leading cause of car accidents in dry weather; in the rain it’s even more dangerous. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
- Check your tire pressure. Make sure they have the right amount of air in them, and that the treads are deep enough to be safe. Balding tires are likely to become skidding tires.
- Learn what to do if you skid. Don’t slam or pump your brakes if you go into a skid. Instead, apply firm, steady pressure, and turn your car into the direction of the skid.
- Learn what to do if you hydroplane. Hydroplaning, or aquaplaning, is when your car actually slides on top of a thin layer of water. If you start to hydroplane, gently remove pressure from the gas pedal and lightly pump your brakes.
- Be willing to stop. If you can’t see, or if you feel unsafe, pull off to the side of the road and put your hazards lights on. Turn the car off – leave the hazards on – and wait it out. If you think the storm will be a while, you should call someone to let them know exactly where you are.
More than anything else, it helps to be prepared. Before you leave for your destination, make sure your blinkers, head lights and tail lights are in working order. And give your feet a good wipe on the floor mat, so they don’t slip off the pedals. Make sure your phone is fully charged and stowed safely away in case you get into an accident and need to call the police and a tow truck. Consider keeping a towel in your car during the rainy months, too: it certainly can’t hurt.