Lubbock residents have seen a surge in rainfall lately, prompting many drivers to wonder how to navigate the slick streets safely. On Saturday’s Car Pro Show, KFYO’s own Jerry Reynolds answered listeners’ questions and laid out a clear set of guidelines for anyone behind the wheel in wet conditions.
Drive Like It’s Hard Mode
Reynolds likens rain‑soaked roads to “hard mode” in a video game – they demand quicker reaction times and limit visibility. He stresses that the first step is to lower your speed, giving both you and your vehicle more time to respond.
Avoid Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning occurs when a thin layer of water separates the tire from the pavement, causing a loss of traction. The two most effective ways to prevent it are to keep your tires properly inflated and to drive at a reduced speed, especially through standing water.
Watch Your Brakes
Heavy rain can saturate a car’s brakes, making them feel less responsive. Reynolds advises drivers to apply brakes gently and allow extra stopping distance when you encounter large puddles.
Increase Following Distance and Use Lights
Maintaining a greater gap between you and the vehicle ahead gives you more room to stop and reduces the chance of a rear‑end collision. Keep your low‑beam headlights on at all times so other drivers can see you, and always signal well before turning or changing lanes.
When Visibility Fails, Pull Over Safely
If you can’t see the road markings or other vehicles, the safest option is to pull over to a parking lot or the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for the worst of the storm to pass.
Reynolds reminds listeners that these simple steps can make a big difference in preventing accidents during Lubbock’s rainy spells. Tune in to The Car Pro Show every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on KFYO for more automotive advice tailored to Texas drivers.
Original reporting: News/Talk 790 KFYO (Lubbock) — read the source article.