Must-know safety tips for driving in the rain

LOS ANGELES - Think everyone knows how to drive in the rain? We could all use a little refresher so stay safe when the roads are wet with these driving tips, courtesy of AAA.

Be prepared before it rains. Make certain all vehicle lights work, windshield wipers are in good condition and tires are properly inflated.

When rain begins to fall, be extra cautious in the first 10 minutes when the water mixes with oil residue: that's when streets are the slickest.

To reduce your chances of hydroplaning, avoid hard braking or turning sharply. When possible, try to drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.

Even careful drivers can skid. If it starts to happen, don't panic. Avoid slamming on the brakes because that only throws your vehicle more off balance. Continue to look and steer in the direction you want the car to go.

Finally, the most important thing you can do is slow down. It takes longer to stop on wet surfaces, so you should leave more "follow distance" than in normal weather conditions.

Rain is the deadliest driving hazard, so it's worth taking your time. Stay dry out there and stay safe!