Did you know that driving safely in thunder storms can affect your auto insurance rates? This is because safe drivers with little to no accidents on record pay less for auto insurance than more risky drivers. Driving well in thunder storms can affect those rates in two ways: you have a lower risk of causing an accident and you can safely avoid drivers who pose a threat. How do you drive safely during a thunder storm?
1. This might seem obvious, but the first tip is to slow down. Rain can make it more difficult to see, which means you need more time to react. Rain can also make the roads slicker and, just as you would slow down on an icy road, you should slow down during a thunder storm.
2. If possible, drive in a lane away from the curb. As the storm sewers fill up, water will back up on the roads. The lanes near the curb often have more water and that can cause your car to hydroplane. At the same time, be aware that drivers who don't know how to drive in storms might speed through those pockets of water and drench other cars, impairing your visibility. If you can, move into the center lane to avoid these situations.
3. Avoid the tendency to follow a large truck's lights. If you can't see to the point where you need to follow that truck's lights, then it's time to find a safe place to pull over and wait for the storm to move on.
4. Use your headlights, but not your high beams. You want to be seen and headlights will help, but your high beams can blind other drivers.
5. Use your windshield wipers and your defrost setting. During thunder storms, windows can become foggy and we don't always notice that until we can't see. As soon as the rain starts, ensure your defrost setting is on before your windows become foggy.
Using all of these tips will help you become a safer driver in thunder storms and will help you avoid unsafe drivers. That can mean fewer accidents, which means lower auto insurance rates.
Stay road safe. Call Integrity Network Insurance Group at 512-989-6006 for more information on Pflugerville auto insurance.