Tip:

With all the extreme weather we have been having, I thought I would post some tips for staying safe in the rain:

• Keep fresh wipers on your car! The better they are, the better you will be able to see the road, so it is always worth the expense and effort.
• Not only is it possible to slide on pavement due to the rain, but your brakes may lose stopping power when wet. Leave extra distance between you and the car in front of yours!
• “Black” ice actually refers to substances (such as engine oil) on the roadway that may not be visible, but that create a slippery condition. When it rains, especially after a long dry spell, these conditions become even more dangerous. While your “all-terrain” tires may help with the rain, they are much less likely to be effective against this slippery hazard. Another good reason to take it slow!
• Most people know to slow down when approaching a large pool of water caused by rain, which is always a good idea to avoid hydroplaning. However, it is important to remember that your brakes may be affected after being submerged, even more than they were by just being wet. Gently test them after you are on the other side of the water and pull over if you detect a problem.
• Try to stay out of the left lane on highways, where a car traveling in the opposite direction could send a wave of water into your windshield that affects your visibility. Try traveling in the middle lane when available, which will help you avoid those big pools of water that could cause other issues.

Stay safe!