In Hawaii, driving in rainy weather is a common occurrence. Despite the wet roads, drivers feel the need to speed, causing frequent pile-ups. The best way to enjoy a rainy day ride? Avoiding accidents by taking the proper precautions. As Honolulu’s leading collision repair shop, the team at C & H Body And Fender has seen it all. While they’re experts at car repair and automotive paint touch-ups, they also emphasize the importance of safety. Here, they share their four best tips for driving in the rain.

Collision Repair Shop Shares 4 Tips for Driving in the Rain

1. Maintain Your Vehicle

While this is always important, it’s pivotal during Hawaii’s rainy season. Make sure you have working headlights and windshield wipers for a clear view, and only drive on tires with a solid tread depth. This prevents them from losing traction, keeping you safe even in the worst of weather conditions. 

2. Drive Slowly

What’s one of the leading causes of rain-related car accidents? Driving too quickly. If the roads are slick, always slow down and drive at a reasonable rate for the conditions at hand. Doing otherwise is both dangerous and unlawful, rendering you at fault for any accident you’re involved in.

Protect yourself, your vehicle, and other drivers by maintaining a leisurely rate of speed, safely slowing down, and always coming to complete stops. Doing so could save you a trip to the collision repair shop — and a lawsuit.

3. Keep a Safe Distance

As you learned back in your driver’s education class, the standard driving distance between vehicles is around three seconds. Since it takes longer to slow down in the rain, however, you should increase this significantly. The heavier the storm, the further the distance. If you’re too close, spray from tires can easily fly onto your windshield, causing you to steer off the road. Since this will only cause a costly car repair bill, drive with extra caution.  

4. Avoid Distractions

When it’s wet and dreary, avoiding distractions is even more important than usual. Not every driver can handle heavy rain, so these conditions command extra attention. Always pay attention to how other vehicles are operating, and keep your eyes focused on the road. Let passengers know that they’ll need to stay calm and collect as well — loud music, conversation, and phones going off are equally distracting. 

While Honolulu drivers are used to the rain, not everyone knows how to operate safely in these conditions. Follow these tips, and you’ll keep yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle well-protected. When you need new automotive paint, maintenance, or car repair, the experts at C & H Body And Fender will assist with any make or model, getting you back on the road in no time. Visit the collision repair shop online for more information, or call (808) 841-3618 today.