If I must drive on rainy days, I schedule my appointments and meetings so I can drive to them between normal commuting hours. I’ve been accused of wanting to sleep late or working banker’s hours; but that’s ok. The folks who tease me the most are usually those who must drive in rush hour traffic.

Once in awhile I must drive in rush hour traffic to appease an egomaniac, who insists on starting his or her day at the crack of dawn, and thinks anyone who doesn’t conform to that schedule is lazy. These selfish earlybirds are only concerned with their own schedule and goals; so, they never consider the impact of extra cars on the road during wet weather.  There’s no point to arguing with such individuals; they’re too self-absorbed to care about the safety of others.

When I must drive on rainy days, I follow a few common-sense rules.

• Start early. Others may rush to their destination, but I leave myself extra time. If I arrive early, who cares.

• Wear my seatbelt. It’s the law; and, it can be a life saver.

• Drive at a sensible speed. While I don’t poke, I happily let other drivers pass me.  They may be in a rush; I'm not.

• Make sure my wipers work. I also keep my windshield treated with Rain-X.

• Make sure my lights work. It’s easier to see and be seen.

• Check the tires. Properly inflated tires with sufficient tread grip wet roads better.

• Drive the van or SUV, not the Corvette. All my vehicles handle just fine on wet roads; but, I feel safer driving a vehicle where I’m sitting a little higher, can see more of the road ahead, and others can see me.

If I’ve got a long distance to drive, I take breaks. I never used to do that; I’d drive for hours without stopping. Now, my 50+ year old bladder reminds me more insistently that I can’t drink coffee for hours while driving, without stopping to make room for more. My midlife muscles like to be stretched enroute, so I don’t arrive stiff. My eyes need a rest from straining to see the road and cars through heavy rain; and, my brain needs a break from concentrating. I know that the few minutes I spend at a highway rest area, or in a fast food parking lot, are worth the delay. I return to the road refreshed.

It’s my preference to not drive on rainy days, and schedule my appointments and meetings around them. When I must drive on rainy days, I try to be as courteous and safe as I can. As a telecommuter, I view myself as a guest on the road, when I drive in rush hour traffic.