With the weather warming up dangerous roads are more often slick with rain rather than snow and ice. We’ve put together some quick tips to reach your destination safely rain or shine!

Slow Down to Avoid Hydroplaning – Hydroplaning is when the tires of a vehicle rise up over a thin film of water. This usually occurs at the onset of a rain storm as oils and other slick substances rise to the top of the roads surface. This lack of contact with the road can lead to extremely dangerous situations, especially when driving a heavy 18 wheeler. Even at speeds as slow as 35 miles per hour, new tires can still have difficulty in maintaining solid contact with the road. Because of this it is important to slow down during rainy days.

Stay Visible – Make sure your headlights and taillights are on and functioning. Heavy rain can make visibility difficult for both you and other drivers. Making sure your lights are working properly can help avoid accidents.

Stay Calm – Even the safest driver may find themselves in a skid. This can be a terrifying event, but it’s crucial you avoid panicking. Stay calm and look and steer in the direction you want the truck to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes as well, as this can compound the problem and make it even harder to recover from the skid.

Avoid Distractions – Distracted driving is always dangerous, but the danger is even higher during adverse weather conditions. Stay focused on the road and avoid reaching for objects on the dash or in the passenger seat, talking or texting on the phone or eating and drinking. Keep both hands on the wheel in case you have to react to situation quickly.

Leave Plenty of Space – Not everyone on the road is a professional driver with the experience of a seasoned trucker. Giving other vehicles a little room helps make sure you’ll have time to react if a dangerous situation develops.

We hope these tips help everyone stay safe in the rain!