Tips for Driving Safe in the Rain

The last few days have been on the dreary side of life, and with that, comes the chance for accidents and incidents due to the inclemate weather. Rain, fog, clouds, and now cooler weather all play a part in the driving conditions, and while we are the best tow company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we really don't want to see you in a position where you need us. Here are a few ways you can drive safely in rainy weather, and hopefully see less of us!

Did You Know

While you probably assumed driving in the rain was dangerous, did you know that it's more dangerous than driving in the snow? Research has shown that 46 percent of weather-related crashes happened during rainfall, but only 17 percent while it was snowing or sleeting. Of course, this is in part because drivers tend to stay home when the weather gets bad, but it does also show that drivers as a whole don't acknowledge the dangers of driving in the rain.

Rain Ready

The tread on your tires makes a huge difference in your ability to keep control of your vehicle. One way you can check is by grabbing a quarter (some say to use a penny, but some researchers say a quarter is more accurate). Insert the quarter in your tire and if Washington's head is always covered by the tire than you should have more than 4/32 of an inch of tread remaining. If the top of Washington's head is exposed, you need to get new tires. At Bledsoe's Towing and Automotive we have the best tires at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Tire pressure is also important. Check your pressure once a month, using a tire gauge. You also want to check your windshield wipers to make sure they are ready to function properly when you're out on the road. Finally, check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals and make sure they are all in working order. 

Keep It Slow

In order to stay safe out on the road, be sure to keep a safe distance between you and the other drivers. A good way to know how far to stay back is by staying about 3-4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. When the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed marker, like a street light, count three seconds. Add more time if it's raining, like five seconds, and then add another second per driving challenge.

Beware of Technology

There is some technology that is safe to use in bad weather, others that are not - the key is knowing which is which. Cruise control is not safe to use while you're driving in the rain because you lose some early weight transfer as you let off the gas. Traction-control, however, is made for rainy days and can prevent the wheels from slipping on wet pavement.Your antilock braking is also meant to prevent the loss of steering control during hard braking, especially on wet and slippery roads.

Stay Safe on the Roads

Whether you're driving on a bright and sunny day, or a wet dreary day, the Bledsoe's team hopes you have a safe time on the road. Whether you find yourself with a broken windshield wiper or stuck in a ditch, our automotive company at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help. Give us a call at (573) 346-7050 for 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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