How do you drive on wet roads?

If you live in the Maritimes, you may often hear someone say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute.” We never know what Mother Nature is going to throw at us so we need to be prepared. Sometimes you can be driving down the road in sunshine and then all of a sudden you are driving into a rain storm. It can take you by surprise and you want to make sure you do not hydroplane. Hydroplaning is when the water comes between your tires and the pavement. Your tires may not be able to evacuate the water quickly enough causing your vehicle to lose traction and possibly start to spin.

So, what can you do to make sure you are safe on wet roads? Follow our tips below:

1. Maintain your tires. They should be properly inflated or you could lose traction.
2. Slow down when the roads get wet.
3. Cancel your cruise control.
4. Drive with 2 hands.
5. Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you.
6. Reduce your speed when approaching large puddles or standing water.

What should you do if you start to hydroplane?

1. Take your foot off the gas. Try to let your vehicle slow down on it’s own.
2. Don’t slam on the breaks. This could make your tires lock and send you into a spin. If you have to stop, press your foot firmly, but slowly, on the break if you have ABS and if you do not have ABS pump your breaks lightly and quickly.
3. Hold the steering wheel firmly and try to point your vehicle straight ahead. Don’t jerk the wheel in either direction.

Make sure you stay safe in any weather!

Have more questions about your auto insurance? Give us a call at (506) 432-1550 or email us at info@pearsoninsurance.ca

Sources, Economical.com and Michelin.ca