WILMINGTON—Summer is officially here in Wilmington and, along with the warmer temperatures, summer means hurricane season and thunderstorms, which often pose challenges, especially to drivers.
But do you know how to handle driving in inclement weather?
For example, in several states it is illegal to drive with hazard lights on, in North Carolina it is not–but should you turn them on in a rainstorm?
According to Corporal Adam Schwartzel of the Wilmington Police Department’s Traffic Division, turning four-way flashers on might offer some visibility, but ensuring headlights and taillights are on is even more important.
Swchwartzel said, “It can help in certain situations, it just makes you a little bit more visible, but believe it or not the thing that makes you the most visible is your headlights, they can see much better and from much farther away than any other light. So, if you have your flashers on and no headlights, you’re kind of defeating the purpose.”
For drivers who are going significantly under the posted speed limit, flashers can help bring attention from other motorists, but for those travelling near the posted limit, Swchwartzel doesn’t recommend it.
The best way to stay safe in inclement weather is simple – slow down.
Driving in rainy weather can cause a number of problems, from poor visibility to less traction with the road, he said. Slowing down can help prevent accidents and can also keep drivers from getting a ticket.
“When the weather gets bad, whether its rain or fog or something like that absolutely slow down, that’s probably the most important thing,” he said.
Drivers can be ticketed for going the posted speed limit in poor weather, he said.
“There’s actually a criminal charge for exceeding the safe speed for existing conditions. The speed limit is the speed limit, that is the fastest you can go in good weather conditions. As soon as the weather starts to turn and starts to get a little worse you should slow down because its not longer safe,” Swchwartzel said.
When driving in wet weather, all drivers are required to turn headlights on whenever windshield wipers come on, regardless of the time of day.
Safety tips
The North Carolina Department of Transportation also offers drivers advice on driving in wet weather including:
- Stay off the roads. If you must drive, be sure your tires and brakes are in good working condition.
- Allow yourself more time to get where you’re going. On wet pavement, drive at least 5 to 10 mph slower than the speed limit.
- Stay alert and be ready for sudden stops. Allow at least twice the normal following distance between vehicles.
- Signal for turns and brake earlier than usual as you near a turn or stop.
- Be patient and do not pass lines of traffic.
- Turn on your headlights, as required by North Carolina law, while using your windshield wipers–regardless of the time of day.
- Turn on your low-beam headlights and use the defroster to increase visibility–regardless of whether it is day or night. High beams, or “brights,” could reflect off fog and decrease visibility.
- Avoid driving through pools of standing water, even if they seem shallow. Water could be covering road hazards, such as holes, fallen power lines or debris.
- Also avoid flooded areas. A foot of water, for example, can cause vehicles to float, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away vehicles, including SUVs and pick-up trucks.
- If your vehicle begins to hydroplane–when your tires glide across the surface of water on a road–take your foot off the gas and apply the brakes in a steady, slightly firm manner (don’t stomp on them). Then steer in the direction of the skid.
- For manual transmissions, push in the clutch and let the vehicle slow down on its own.
- For automatic transmissions, hold the steering wheel steady and lightly apply the brakes.
- For vehicles with antilock brakes, apply more steady pressure to the brakes, but avoid pumping them.
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