Driving tips for wet roads with Bay Area rain expected: Roadshow

Q: We’re supposed to get rain again soon. Too often I see cars driving too fast when the road is slippery. Can you provide tips for safe driving in rainy weather?

Anonymous, San Jose

A: Rain after a long dry spell can make roads slick. That’s because oil and grease accumulate on the road during dry parts of the year, and come to the surface all at once with the first rains of the fall, which can make roads treacherous. If slick road conditions catch you by surprise, or if you are driving too fast, you could end up in a crash.

Here are tips for driving in rainy weather:

• Slow down, be cautious.
• Give yourself more time.
• Lowering your speed helps you watch out for sudden stops caused by disabled cars, debris and other hazards.
• Turn on your headlights to improve visibility.
• Disengage your cruise control.
• Keep your distance. A car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet roads.
• Replace wiper blades regularly.
• Make sure your defroster is functioning properly, especially if you haven’t used it in a while.
• Check your brakes. After driving through a puddle, make sure the brakes are working properly by tapping them gently a few times.
• Check your tires. Make sure tires are in good condition and are at the recommended inflation level. Tires should have at least 1/32 of an inch tread depth at any two adjacent grooves, the minimum allowable by law. Driving on over-inflated or under-inflated tires is dangerous on wet pavement.
• Rain is equally hazardous to bicyclists. Traction decreases, braking can be unsteady and skidding cars can present an even greater threat.
• Driving on a wet road can cause you to lose control if your car starts to hydroplane. This occurs when your front tires surf on a film of water. This can occur at speeds as low as 35 miles per hour, especially if tires are worn.
• If you hydroplane, ease off the gas, gently apply the brakes and steer straight ahead.
• Rain can bring flooding, especially to low-lying areas. If rain is accumulating very quickly, flooding can also occur in surprising areas. The National Weather Service emphasizes “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” advising that people underestimate the force and power of water. Just 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult, while 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.