Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Does Anyone Remember How To Drive In The Rain?

Earlier today, in between showers, I headed over to the Post Office, bank and grocery store.  I left home during a lovely sun break.  Of course when I came out of the store with a gallon of milk, my purse and several bags of stuff ...... it was during a rain break.  That's always the way it happens.

And as usual when it's raining I turn on my headlights.  I was taught that in Drivers Training back in 1958.  The rule was if your windshield wipers are on then you turn your head lights on too.

As I pulled out of the grocery store  parking lot, the rain was coming down so hard I had to turn the wipers on almost as fast as they would go.  This kid came past me on the main drag, going so fast, faster than the speed limit I'm sure & it was pouring! A car pulled out in front of him and when he finally braked he skidded all over the road.  He's darn lucky he didn't hit anyone.

Then I heard on the radio that there were so many wrecks on south bound I-5, that there was a 13 mile back up between Fort Lewis (south of Tacoma) and Olympia.  Why is it that people get crazy when the weather changes? 

Remember~when it's raining turn your lights on and slow down a little.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hate bad drivers, and especially the young ones who are so wreckless!

Anonymous said...

Most people don't know how to drive in the rain and don't know what to do if the car begins to slide (rain or shine). My background in auto racing has saved me many a time.

Jimmy

Anonymous said...

Well, my car lights come on automatically but I hate driving in the rain and I don't unless I get caught out in it when I'm not expecting it to rain. People do get nuts it seems no matter how bad it's raining  :).........alice

Anonymous said...

that was a cute name tag, Linda; diet pepsi is my favorite soft drink!!

I don't know what it is with drivers and inclement weather; same thing happens here in the rain and in Montana with the first snowfall of the year

glad you were safe and sound though!

betty

Anonymous said...

it's the law here .... and a great idea...  not all follow it though.  GRRRRR
Glad he didn't hit you
d

Anonymous said...

Over here, it's the law, you HAVE to have your headlights on if your wipers are on... not sure how well it's enforced... we never get rain, so I can't tell... LOL!!

One thing I can tell has NOT been enforced is talking on the stupid cell phone... everywhere I go, I still see people talking on their cells.... drives me crazy!!!

Well, be careful out there.....

Joann

Anonymous said...

It's the law here.  But then everything is the law here.  I'm still mad that we can't play Bingo at the fair...lol.  Of course, if they wanted to they could remove the turn signals from TN cars 'cause no one uses them here.  Uh oh.  I feel a rant coming on.  Better go to bed.
Hugs, Joyce

Anonymous said...

I always drive with my lights on.  It's one of the first things I do when I turn on my car.  That way everyone can see me coming.  It's like breathing to me... second nature.
Marie
http://ayearatoakcottage.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

In continental Europe, you're required to drive with your headlights on at all times. In France, when it rains, the speedlimit drops to 70 mph.

Anonymous said...

So far its not a law here in MA ( head lights in the rain)but I agree that they should make talking on a cell phone while driving against the law. Its so frustrating to be behind someone who is! they slow down and aren't looking at the road at all causing accidents.
Nancy

Anonymous said...

I think we passed a law here in Ca last summer that if the windshield wipers are on then the headlights have to be on too.....
of course we don't have to worry about this law since we never get any rain!!! lol....
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

hi linda, i can't remember what the law is here, i think that you should have the lights on when it's raining, alot of people don't. I do tho! we got a new car a couple of months ago and i don't really drive at night now, so when we were away we were driving down dark country lanes with only the main beam on, we couldn't find the full beam. luckily my sister found it, but i did keep flicking the indicator on when i turned them on...lol !! Take care linda, mrs t xx

Anonymous said...

I kow what you mean. It is a law in New York but I am not sure about Pa. ..hugs, Christine

Anonymous said...

It's not law over here in the UK (I don't think) but then, we're used to driving in the rain since it never seems to stop!
All the same, most people with any sense still put their lights on when the rain is bad.

B. x

Anonymous said...

Its like people forget they need to be more cautious! I hate driving in the rain. I am an avid user of that stuff, oh heck, my mind is blank, Rain something...anyway, it repels the rain off your windshield so you can see so much easier, even if its pouring! Kelly