They say "April showers bring May flowers," and with the month coming in just about a week, it's time to prepare for the upcoming rainfall. This blog has already discussed the risks associated with rain that can impact the home — flooding is a big one — but precipitation can have other effects on your life.

For example, when you're in the car, the rain can impact your safety as the roads get slippery. There are many things you can do to alleviate the risk of driving in wet conditions that will help keep you and your fellow drivers safe.

Here are a few:

Check your tires – If your tires are starting to go bald and the tread is wearing down, they might be more prone to slipping on the road. All it takes is old tires going over a puddle or a slick patch of road for your car to skid out of control and cause an accident. Tire tread is checked every year during inspection, so make sure your sticker is up-to-date. If tread is brought up during a vehicle tune-up, make sure you replace them before it's too late.

Drive slowly when going around curves – It's usually not a good idea to exceed the speed limit, and that's particularly true during risky stretches of road. If you're going around a curve and it's raining heavily or the roads are slippery, you have to be especially careful. 

Ensure that your headlights and wipers are functioning properly – Much like your tires, your wipers and headlights are essential when driving in rainy conditions. You need to see what's in front of you and you need other drivers to see you. Even in the middle of the day, a dreary rainstorm can make this difficult. High quality wipers will reduce streaks and allow you to see clearly out of your windshield.