Category: Dolmen News
Tips for driving in the rain

Be careful driving over the next couple days as Hurricane Lorenzo is set to bring high winds and heavy rain across the country.

Here are a few tips for driving in the
rain:

  1. Exercise caution when rain follows hot, dry spells. Engine oil and grease build-up on roads and motorways over time, so drive with caution leaving a 2 second gap between you and the car in front.
  • Slow down. Wet roads causes cars to lose control and become more difficult to handle.
  • Avoid surface water on roadways. Not only can you aquaplane and lose control, but you
    can impair your vision and other drivers’ visibility by splashing through
    puddles. Drive slow and with care when driving on the motorway to avoid
    impairing other driver’s visions.
  • Drive in the tracks of the car in front of you. This allows the vehicle ahead to remove any surface water
    that’s on the road.
  • Increase your following distance. Wet roads, wet brakes and reduced visibility can lead
    to accidents on the road. Give other vehicles at least 2 second gap and brake
    early with reduced force.
  • If your car begins to aquaplane, do not brake or turn the
    wheel     as this may cause
    your vehicle to go into a spin and lose control. Take your foot off the accelerator
    and keep the wheel straight until your car reclaims control. Brake gently if
    needed.
  • Don’t use cruise control. It can cause your car to accelerate when aquaplaning.
  • Grip the steering wheel with both hands to maximize vehicle
    control.     This means
    putting down your cell phone, coffee, makeup or anything else that takes your
    hands off the wheel and eyes away from the road.
  • Keep your windshield wipers in tip-top shape. Winter cold can cause damage to your windshield wipers,
    so get them checked before rainy seasons arrive.
  1. Defog your windows. During the cold and rainy season your windshield can
    quickly fog up, so use the front and rear heaters to help maximize visibility.

For all other information about insurance,
give us a call today on 01 8022300 or visit www.dolmen-insurance.ie