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Rain is expected to come back this afternoon. So what does that mean for Vancouverites? Terrible traffic headaches.

Despite the fact that rainfall, at times heavy, is simply a part of life in these parts, it seems that most Vancouverites do not know how to drive in it.

During last week’s downpours, traffic reports were meatier than most newscasts. On any given day there were crashes on practically every single bridge in the Greater Vancouver area.

And remember, there’s no such thing as an “accident”. If you end up crashing, it’s likely because you did something stupid, careless, or irresponsible or to cause it. Even taking your eyes off the road for a split second to change the radio station can lead to a nasty outcome.

I’m going to give people the benefit of the doubt and assume they’ve just forgotten a few basic road-safety tips rather than they are complete jackasses.

So here for you, Vancouver drivers, are some free, friendly reminders on what and what not to do when you’re behind the wheel when giant water droplets are falling from the sky and pelting your windshield:

Allow more time

This may be painful to hear and harder to accept, but you need to slow down, especially when there are puddles the size of Rice Lake on the highways or busy streets. Zooming through one of those ponds can cause you to hydroplane, or slide uncontrollably across the road.

Don’t text

If you can’t control yourself, stick your phone in your bag in the back seat or in the trunk that that you won’t be tempted to pick it up.

Don’t talk on our phone without using Hands-free

Like #2, another shocker.

Don’t cut people off

Not only do you come across as an asshole, but you also endanger yourself and others. It’s very easy to slide on a wet road when you slam on the brakes.

Don’t tailgate

Leaving sufficient distance between you and the car in front of you is especially important in wet weather. See #4.

Turn on your headlights

You can better see the road and oncoming traffic can better see you.

Be polite

If someone is signalling to merge, let them in. One more car ahead of you isn’t going to make you any later for work than you already are.

Be polite, part two

If someone lets you in ahead of them while you’re trying to merge, try that little hand signal that looks like a wave to say a nonverbal thank you.

Do not splash cyclists or pedestrians

You’re welcome.