KFYO’s Car Pro Show Shares Essential Tips for Safe Driving in the Rain

A part of KFYO's weekend programming is The Car Pro Show, every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jerry Reynolds, the car pro himself, answers questions from listeners and covers the latest in automotive news that every Texas driver needs to know.

Given the sheer amount of rain that Lubbock has received recently, "news that every Texas driver needs to know" happens to include how to safely drive on wet roads. Wouldn't you know it, Jerry Reynolds has that information as well. So, let's see what the car pro has to say about driving in the rain here in Lubbock.

I'm Driiiiiving in the Rain

I really hope you got the Gene Kelly reference... But anyway, Jerry Reynolds starts by saying that driving in the rain is like driving on hard mode. Think about it, it demands shorter reaction times while decreasing your sight of the road ahead.

Now, I'm sure we've all heard of hydroplaning: the loss of traction after standing water gets between the tire and the road. The two best ways to avoid hydroplaning are to lower your speed and keep your tires inflated.

Car driving through flooded street during heavy rain

One key reminder that Reynolds includes is that, during rainfall, water can saturate your car's brakes, making them less effective. I'm sure you've experienced this when trying to brake in the middle of a large puddle. You feel your car groan and stutter as it tries stopping.

Reynolds also says that working together with your fellow drivers on the road is a big deal when it's raining out. For instance, increasing the distance between you and the car ahead of you and keeping your low-beam lights on at all times will help others know where you are when visibility is tough.

Oh, and make sure you use that turn signal, ESPECIALLY in rainy conditions. Finally, when all else fails and you just can't see other cars or you're driving all over the road since you can't see the lines, just pull over. Moving to a parking lot or the shoulder of the road with your hazards on might be the best call to just wait out the worst part of the storm.

A huge thanks to Jerry Reynolds for these expert rainy day safety tips, and don't forget to tune in to The Car Pro Show every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on KFYO!