The potential for lots and lots of rain in Southern California this winter is real, and whenever it rains there always seems to be someone on the freeway attempting the speed record for the Kessel Run. Driving on the freeway in rainy weather can feel like entering the Mos Eisley Cantina: a bit nerve-racking. But, following some safe driving tips for rainy weather, the freeways don’t have to be a wretched hive of scum and villainy.
Edmunds provides some sage advice for driving in the rain, fit for a Jedi. (See the full article here.)
Don’t be caught with a broken hyperdrive (prepare your car for the rain)
Tires may not be the most important part of the Millenium Falcon, but for your car, ensuring your tires aren’t too worn is essential in rainy situations. Worn tires can lead to loss of control, making your vehicle look like it’s trying to navigate an asteroid belt. Also be sure to check that all vehicle lights are working (head, tail, brake, and turn), as are windshield wipers. If the windshield wipers sound like a TIE fighter, it may be time to replace them.
Prepare for Light Speed (slow down!)
While pod racers don’t need much traction, cars in this galaxy do. Reducing speed in wet weather can reduce the risk of hydroplaning and losing control of the vehicle. If control is lost in a hydroplane, gently ease off the gas until the car lands.
Stay in a galaxy far, far away (don’t follow so close)
Vehicles need more time to stop if the roads are wet. Allowing plenty of space between vehicles to stop in case of emergency can drastically reduce the risk of rear-ending another vehicle.
Use the force (don’t rely on technology)
Rain can affect the reliability and safety of newer car technologies, including adaptive cruise control and collision detection. In the rain, drivers should view safety tech as a backup.
Ready, are you? (practice safe driving techniques)
Edmunds recommends taking training classes to prepare for emergency situations. This advice probably isn’t for most people, but they do recommend ‘the simplest life-saver of all’: slowing down when it rains.
