Road safety in the rain

RCMP is asking drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to spend some time getting ready to stay safe during wet weather.

Vehicle maintenance tips:

Replace your windshield wipers. They get brittle in long dry spells and won't be able to get the water, dirt and oil off your windshield.
Check your tires for tread depth and inflation. The deeper the tread, the less likely you will skid or hydroplane. Make sure tires are inflated to manufacturer specifications. Hint: look on the fuel lid, in the glove box or check your owner’s manual to confirm specs for your vehicle.
Make sure your windows are clean. Clean the inside of your windows and make sure your demisting/defogging equipment works.

Use your headlights but avoid using your high beams. Headlights help make you visible to other drivers and pedestrians, but high beams can reflect back and reduce your ability to see other road users.
Don't use cruise control in the rain. If you hydroplane in cruise control, your wheels can reach an excessive speed while they're not in contact with the road. This means you'll be jolted forward once the wheels make contact again.
Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front. The three-second rule applies in good weather. You should double it to six seconds for light rain/fog and triple it to nine seconds for heavy rain/fog. If the vehicle in front of you is a commercial vehicle or a bus, leave even more room.
Slow down. Posted speed limits assume good road and weather conditions, so go below the limit to say safe in wet weather and low visibility.
Beware of other vehicles around you. Larger vehicles such as trucks, buses and trailers are especially affected by heavy rain.
Adjust your planned travel time to include sufficient time to fully demist/defog all your windows.