content_image/820829.jpg
## Sun Glare 

Sunlight, either direct or reflected, poses a dangerous driving situation for drivers. To reduce this problem, adjust your sun visor and wear sunglasses. If these do not help, stop on the roadside until you can drive safely. 

## Rain 

Rain reduces visibility and makes pavement dangerous. You may be able to see only a few feet ahead; therefore, you should drive more slowly than usual, and you must use your headlights and windshield wipers. Stopping distances on slippery pavement increases from two to 10 times farther than on dry pavement; therefore, slow down and allow yourself at least twice the normal following distance. 

Roads are more dangerous just after rain has begun to fall, especially if it has not rained for a while. For the first 10 to 15 minutes, rain combines with oil from asphalt and vehicles, and with dirt, dust and rubber to create a slick surface. You should drive with extreme caution. Drive at least five to 10 miles per hour slower on wet pavement than you would on dry pavement. You must also be prepared if your vehicle hydroplanes. 

## Hydroplaning 

Hydroplaning occurs when a thin sheet of water gets between the road surface and a vehicle’s tires, causing them to lose contact with the road. The vehicle then begins a skidding movement across the road. Hydroplaning can start at speeds as low as 30 miles per hour and in water little more than 1 /8 inch deep. When your speed increases, so do the chances of hydroplaning. Your ability to stop, or even slow your vehicle, is greatly reduced. Once you begin to hydroplane, any sudden jerking of the steering wheel or even a strong gust of wind can send you into an uncontrollable skid that can result in a crash. If you do begin to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas pedal. Resist your instinct to use the brakes . Keep your steering wheel straight and let the car’s momentum decrease until the tires grip the road again and you regain control. 

Before going out in rainy weather, check your tires. Tires with deep, open treads allow water to escape and help prevent hydroplaning at moderate speeds. Tires with worn tread and those that are under inflated have less grip on the road surface, increasing your chance of hydroplaning. To properly handle skids, it is better to have tire pressure on the high side, rather than the low side, of the manufacturer’s specifications. 

Be alert to warning signs of standing water on the roadway, which can lead to hydroplaning. These include visible reflections on the surface of the water; “dimples” created by rain drops as they hit the water; a “slushing” sound made by your tires; and a “loose” feeling in your steering wheel. If driving after a rainstorm has just ended, continue to be cautious. Rain leaves puddles in the road for several hours, even days after the showers stop, that can cause a car to hydroplane. 

Never use cruise control when it is raining or after it has been raining.  If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, the time that it takes to turn off the cruise control or tap the brake pedal to release it, could mean the difference in maintaining or losing control of your vehicle. 

<img src='content_image/820829.jpg'>

