Safe Driving Tips for Florida’s Rainy Season

Summer in Florida is always accompanied by plenty of sunshine and humidity, which can give way to sudden rainstorms during the hot months. Driving in these intense conditions can increase the likelihood of a dangerous situation for you and anyone else on the road. 

Below are five tips to help you stay safe on rainy roads this summer.

1. Slow down: Since rainy conditions are less than ideal, posted speed limits must be considered to a lesser extent, as they are based on ideal road conditions. The faster you go in rainy conditions, the higher your chance of hydroplaning. This is especially a concern right after the rain begins to fall.
2. Turn on Your Headlights: Turning on your headlights in low visibility conditions not only increases your safety on the road, but it is also required by law in all 50 states. Turning on your headlights makes you more visible to other drivers and/or pedestrians. Bright lights or hazard lights are not necessary, as they may even make the situation more dangerous for others around you. 
3. Drive Alert: It is quite common for people to find themselves losing focus while they drive. While it may only be for a couple of seconds, wet road conditions demand undivided attention. Drivers must stay alert and focused, doing what they can to eliminate any distractions. 
4. Don’t Go in Too Far: Wet roads can be deceiving. Roads may seem dry on the surface, even though they are very wet. Braking is often more difficult under these conditions. If water is high enough to puddle up on or cover the road, it may be enough to damage your car and stall the engine. If you can’t see the markings on the road, it would be safe to assume that your car will not be able to drive through the water. 
5. Know When to Rely on Technology: Some of the technologies we have come to depend on in our cars today may not be reliable under severe weather conditions. Features like cruise control or forward collision warning systems are not dependable during bad weather, as the rain may disrupt their sensors. Conversely, traction control, electronic stability control, antilock brake systems, anti-skid control, and lane-assisting features are major assets while driving in the rain. 

Summer rainstorms in Florida are almost unavoidable and can appear out of nowhere. You may be heading to work or back home after a long day and therefore cannot help but drive in the rain. Allow more time to get to your destination throughout the Summer months and give yourself a good distance between you and the car in front of you. Drive slow, drive safe, and enjoy the Summer.