제  목 : Driving In the Rain
  일  자 : 1998년 09월
  제공처 : Internet

                     Driving In the Rain
                    =====================

    Losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience.
    Unfortunately, it can happen unless you take preventive measures.

    In all sorts of rain, you can prevent skids by driving slowly and
    carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch.
    When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and
    risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

    If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the
    gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car
    to go. Avoid using your brakes. This procedure, known as "steering into
    the skid," will bring the back end of your car in line with the front.

    While skids on wet pavement may be frightening, hydroplaning is completely
    nerve-wracking. Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires
    builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way.
    The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer
    of water between your tires and the road. At this point, your car can be
    completely out of contact with the road, and you are in danger of skidding
    or drifting out of your lane.

    To avoid hydroplaning, keep good tread on your tires and replace them when
    necessary, slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles.
    Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.

    If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly.
    This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until
    the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake,
    do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes,
    then brake normally; the car's computer will mimic a pumping action.

    A good defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road
    conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures!

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