411 PAIN - Wet Weather Driving Safety Tips

In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, 411 Pain offers the following safety tips for driving on wet roads, in rain and flooding. In wet weather it becomes crtical to slow down! Roads are slippery, even if they don't look dangerous. Follow at a far enough distance ,about 5 car lengths, since tires have less traction and brakes are slower to work in wet conditions. Also make sure to keep extra distance between you and large trucks or busses - the spray from such large tires will obstruct your view. Remember to turn on your headlights. Even if it's light enough for you to see, it helps others to see you! Turn on the defogger to clear your windows. When it's humid and the temperature outside is colder than the inside, your windows will start to fog up. Remember that the roads are most slippery when it first starts to rain, especially if it hasn't rained in a while. The road has a build up of engine oil and grease that becomes very slick when mixed with rain. Eventually it will wash away, but be extra careful at first even though it might seem safe. When driving through puddles, go slow and steady, no more than 30mph. This way you avoid having to break while your tires are in the water. If the puddle comes up past the bottom of your doors, don't proceed! You may get stuck and deep water can wreak havock with a car's electrical system. After driving through a puddle, lightly tap your breaks to help dry them. Wipers and tire treads are of utmost importance in wet conditions. Change your wiper blades at least once a year and periodically check the tread on your tires, ultimitely about every two weeks. 411 PAIN, the leader in road safety awareness, wishes a safe and speedy recovery to all those affected by the storm and, as always, safe driving to all!