Florida receives more rainfall than almost any other state, and Tallahassee is no exception. Sudden afternoon thunderstorms can reduce visibility to near zero and make roads extremely slippery. Knowing how to handle these conditions is essential for every driver.
The first few minutes of rain are the most dangerous. Oil and debris on the road surface mix with water to create an extremely slick surface. Reduce your speed by at least one-third and increase your following distance significantly.
If you begin to hydroplane, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Your tires will regain traction as you slow down. This is one of the most important skills we teach in our driving lessons.
Always turn on your headlights when it rains — it is Florida law. Use low beams, not high beams, as high beams reflect off rain and actually reduce your visibility. If visibility drops below a quarter mile, pull over to a safe location and wait for conditions to improve.
Never drive through standing water. Just six inches of water can cause you to lose control, and two feet of water can float most vehicles. If you encounter a flooded road in Tallahassee, turn around and find an alternate route.
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