The dangers of hydroplaning

 

Even though the showers will taper off this morning, rain can still cause problems on the roadways in the form of standing water or puddles. Those hidden dangers can lead to hydroplaning. This is can occur when your car goes through a large puddle or standing water on the road and your tires lose contact with the ground. You can easily lose control of your vehicle, and possibly slide or skid off the road. But, there are a few things you can do to prevent this.

First off, it is always a good idea to slow down when driving on wet (or snowy) roads. 5 to 10 mph slower is a good range. Second, try to avoid driving through puddles and standing water altogether. The best way to do this is driving in the inside lane. Most rainwater that falls on roadways move to the curbs and can accumulate there. Lastly, don't make sharp or quick movements when steering and turning. 

After the rain moves out today, those puddles could still be hanging around, so be sure to stay cautious when driving over the next couple of days.