Why Avoiding Cruise Control in Rain Is Especially Important in Phoenix
It’s been extremely rainy in Phoenix over the last month. In Phoenix, rain is a rare and often sudden event, but it brings unique hazards that drivers must take seriously. One critical safety tip that every Phoenix driver should know is to avoid using cruise control when driving in the rain. Although cruise control is a helpful tool on dry highways, it can actually increase dangers during wet conditions, especially in a desert environment where rainstorms catch many off guard.
How Rain Creates Dangerous Road Conditions in Phoenix
When it rains after a long dry spell in Phoenix, streets become slick quickly. The first drops mix with built-up oil, grease, and dust on the roads, creating an extremely slippery surface. This increases the risk of hydroplaning, a condition where tires lose contact with the pavement and the vehicle rides on a thin layer of water. Hydroplaning drastically reduces steering and braking control.
Using cruise control in these conditions can be dangerous for several reasons. First, cruise control maintains a steady speed, which prevents the driver from quickly adjusting throttle input in response to slipping or hydroplaning. Second, if the vehicle hydroplanes, the cruise control might try to accelerate to maintain speed, worsening the loss of control. Third, wet roads already increase stopping distances, and cruise control limits the driver’s ability to slow down smoothly and promptly.
Manual Control Is Key for Safety
In Phoenix’s monsoon season or sudden rain showers, keeping full manual control of your car’s speed allows for quicker, more instinctive responses crucial to staying safe. Instead of cruise control, drivers should reduce speed, increase following distance, and stay alert for puddles or flash floods.
Proactive vehicle maintenance also supports safer rainy driving. Check that tire tread depth is sufficient to grip wet pavement, and ensure windshield wipers are in good condition for clear visibility. Being prepared for rain in a desert climate means expecting the unexpected and respecting the dangers that wet roads bring.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Avoiding cruise control in rainy conditions is an essential safety practice for Phoenix drivers. Staying fully engaged with your vehicle’s controls during rain reduces the risk of accidents caused by hydroplaning and limited braking control. When rain falls in this usually dry city, take control carefully and consciously to arrive safely. If you’d like us to evaluate your vehicle for safety, contact us today. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
