5 tips for driving in the rain in Vancouver during a storm

Oct 14 2016, 1:39 am

Metro Vancouver is weathering three separate storms over the next few days – including one fuelled by Typhoon Songda.

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The best course of action is clearly to hunker down in the warm at home, but let’s face it, you’ll have to leave the house eventually.

So here are some quick driving tips from ICBC if you find yourself on the road and stuck in the eye of the storm.

If traffic lights stop working 

Treat the intersection like a four-way stop. And if there is any chance of a crash, it’s always better to yield the right-of-way to the other person.

If conditions are slippery

Allow yourself at least twice the normal braking distance. Avoid driving through flooded or washed out roads.

If there is standing water

Prevent hydroplaning by scanning ahead for large puddles and reducing your speed, especially during heavy rain. If hydroplaning happens, don’t brake — decelerate and drive straight.

If there is reduced visibility

Use your headlights to help you see ahead and be seen by other drivers,  and look twice for pedestrians crossing the road.

In all events

Prepare your car for the onslaught. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Check the condition of your windshield wiper blades, top up wiper fluid, and carry extra washer fluid in your vehicle. Fill up your gas tank. Pack an emergency kit and make sure it includes a flashlight and extra batteries.

 

Jenni SheppardJenni Sheppard

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