Tips for Driving in the Rain

For the first-time visitor to the Pacific Northwest, it’s common to worry about driving in the rain. It’s perfectly natural to worry, as there are always large numbers of accidents every year where rain plays a factor. The most hardened locals, however, will insist that this has everything to do with the driver. They don’t have experience, and make the wrong prediction at the wrong moment. While Tacoma has its share of road hazards, it’s also one of the nicer cities for learning the ins and outs of driving in the rain .

For one thing, there is a friendliness here that is particular to the area. Drivers don’t need weld racing wheels to compete with other drivers for the right of way. In fact, it’s one of the things that people notice right away, that the local drivers might be a little too polite. To test this, try pulling up to a 4-way stop with two or more other cars at the same time. Chances are pretty good that no one will move for a bit, as the drivers all take turns to acknowledge each other and let the others go first.

On the other end of the spectrum, where the politeness might be terribly pleasant, there’s nothing more maddening than a snow storm here. Those who have grown up with the peculiarities of winter driving might know the secret here. It doesn’t snow often, but it does come around almost annually, but since it is so occasional, it tends to throw the city into a standstill. Instead of driving on snow days, consider taking the personal days, stay inside, or enjoy the fluffy stuff. Even if you might happen to have extensive snow driving experience, it’s so rare that the roads are better left avoided altogether.

The usual precautions apply for inclement weather otherwise. Some of it is common sense, and some of it is through experience. Anyone who has tried to cross a road where there is moving water will remember wishing they had mickey thompson tires as they start careening into parts unknown. The short rule is, if it looks dangerous, don’t do it. Go slow and let the car tell you what the road feels like, instead of insisting on driving the usual speed. Take time to brake. Be as visible as possible, let the other drivers know your intentions, and whenever things look particularly hazardous, pull over and wait it out. One of the great benefits of living in a friendly place is that waiting can often become one of the most pleasant moments of a week.