How to drive safely in the rain

Follow our tips for most effective things you can do to improve your driving safety (and comfort) in the rain.

It’s still winter in much of the country, but outside of the frostbitten north, that translates to a lot of rain, rather than snow—and that rain will continue in most parts of the country through spring, at least. While it’s great for our city water supplies, crops, and trees, it’s not so great for driving, making streets slick and decreasing visibility, especially at night.

Follow our tips for most effective things you can do to improve your driving safety (and comfort) in the rain.

Tires Can Help Avoid Hydroplaning

One of the most important thing to rainy day driving safety is a good set of tires with sufficient tread depth. During the colder rainy months, this means a set of all-season tires, as the water on the road and cool or cold ambient temperatures will keep summer-rated tires from warming up sufficiently to provide the proper level of grip. As the weather warms up going into spring, summer-rated performance tires can actually add another level of grip, thanks to sticker rubber compounds.

But whichever type of tire you have on your car, you’ll need adequate tread depth to clear the water out of the way of the contact patch. Too little tread depth means the tire tread can’t pump the water out from under it, leading to hydroplaning. As the tire’s tread depth decreases, the speed at which hydroplaning occurs decreases, too. With very low tread depth, hydroplaning can occur at as little as 30 or 40 mph, or even slower.

So how much tread depth is enough?

A classic way to gauge tread depth is with a standard-issue penny: insert the penny into a gap in the tire’s tread, with Lincoln’s head pointed toward the tire; if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tires have 2/32″ of tread or less, and it’s definitely time for new tires. But for rainy driving, even 2/32″ is not enough tread depth to avoid hydroplaning. For optimal grip in the wet, you’ll want to replace the penny with a quarter, ensuring the tread comes up higher than the top of Washington’s head, which equates to at least 4/32″ of tread depth. If your tires are below 4/32″, you’ll want to replace them with a new set of tires for optimal wet-weather driving.

Slow Down When It’s Raining

Even with the deepest tread depth and best possible compound for your tires, however, it’s possible to drive too fast for the conditions when it’s raining. At high speeds, even brand-new, full-depth tires won’t be able to pump the water out of the way quickly enough, and you’ll hydroplane, losing all control of the car. So keep your speeds below those you’d drive the same stretch of road in the dry, reducing speed further as the strength of the rain ratchets up. You should also increase your following distance to the car in front of you in the wet, as no car will stop as quickly when the road is slickened by the rain. Lowering your speed will not only help keep your tires gripping the road surface, but will also reduce visibility issues.

Replace Your Windshield Wipers Regularly

Visibility is the next key to rain driving. Make sure your windshield is free of cracks and surface distortions that will only make it harder to see when wet, and fit new windshield wipers every year (or every six months or less in areas with extreme heat or cold) to ensure proper function. If your windshield has issues a good cleaning won’t fix, you’ll need to replace it. Fortunately, there are a number of windshield replacement services that will come to your house and have you all fixed up in a matter of hours, for just a few hundred dollars—and for many, it will even be covered by insurance. Windshield wipers are inexpensive and easy to install, so any driver should be able to keep this aspect of rainy driving safety in tip-top condition. The improvement to visibility with new wipers is well worth the $20-40 and 15 minutes you’ll spend replacing them. After all, you can’t avoid obstacles you can’t see.

Keep Your Lights On in the Rain

Once you have grip and outward visibility sorted, you’ll want to ensure your headlights are up to snuff, too. Turn on your headlights on the road, and if necessary, use fog lights until your visibility improves.

In older cars, especially, the headlights can turn yellow and grow opaque as the sun’s ultraviolet rays damage the plastic lens cover. This reduces light output, and diffracts the light, reducing its focus. This makes it harder to see things in front of you, and makes it harder for other vehicles to see you, too, whether driving at night or in broad daylight.

Avoid Using Cruise Control

Avoid using cruise control whenever possible. Why? Because in wet weather, water can build up in subtle dips in the road, corners can become blind due to low visibility created by the water and mist in the air, and even in straight, level driving, parts of the road can vary in grip. With cruise control on, the car is going to try to maintain speed no matter what–and that can make it difficult or impossible to control the car should you encounter an area with less grip. If you’re actively controlling the throttle, you’ll be able to respond more quickly and retain better control of your vehicle.

Know How to Respond to a Skid

Even when your car is fully prepared for wet weather driving, and you’re following good driving habits like reducing speed and increasing following distances, it’s still possible to encounter unpredictable conditions that cause your car to skid. So it’s very good to know how to respond when it happens.

When your car starts to skid, avoid slamming on the brakes or making other sudden inputs to the steering or throttle, and steer into the direction of the skid. Don’t focus on obstacles or barriers that you don’t want to hit—your hands, and therefore your car, will follow your eyes, guiding you right into the obstacle. This may seem counter-intuitive, and it’s not the easiest skill to perform when under duress, so it’s worth looking for driver safety courses in your area where they offer training on a wet skidpad. The safe environment and immediate feedback of an instructor can have you handling a skidding car like a pro in no time—and those same skills will transfer to dry weather driving, too.

While each of these steps will help make you and your car safer in wet weather driving, it’s the combination of all of them which produce the best result. So make sure your car is ready for the rain, take your time and drive cautiously, and, for the greatest safety, enhance your skills as a driver with a training course.

July 18, 2013 By CAMlaw Car Accidents

This summer there has been more rain in Texas than recent years. Even though the rain is much needed, it causes many car accidents since many don’t know how to drive safely in the rain. It’s important to refresh yourself on safe driving in inclement weather to avoid getting in a car accident. Here are four tips on how to drive safely in bad weather:

• Be extra careful driving in the rain after a dry spell: If it hasn’t rained in a while oil and grease will build up on the roadways. Once it rains, the oil will make the road slick until it’s been washed away. Drive extra slow to avoid getting in a car accident on the extra slippery road.

• Brake sooner and with less force: Through braking earlier, it gives you more braking distance from the car in front of you and lets the car behind you know to slow down. Also, after driving through a pedal, tap your brakes lightly to release water from the rotors.

• Avoid driving through puddles: It’s best to drive around puddles since you never know how deep the water is, or a pothole could be hiding there that could damage your vehicle. Roads are usually crowned in the middle, so it’s best to drive in the middle of the road, since water will go off to the sides and form puddles.

• If hydroplaning, don’t brake suddenly: If you have lost control of your car, don’t spin the wheel or brake sharply because it might cause you to spin or skid. Instead, release the gas pedal slowly, and try steer straight until the car regains traction. If you do have to brake, tap your brakes gently.

To many drivers, driving in the rain can be quite a challenging task. Many inexperienced drivers and even experienced drivers tend to encounter problems when driving in the rain. And if one is not very careful when driving during a downpour, an accident can occur.

The purpose of this article is to enlighten readers on how to drive safely in the rain and avoid certain avoidable accidents from happening. But before we take a look at that very interesting issue, let us see what really makes driving in the rain problematic.

There are so many reasons why driving during a heavy downpour can be dangerous to a driver and others if the driver is not very careful how he or she goes about driving. Among the numerous things that make driving while it is raining or after it has just finished raining problematic include things such as:

• During a downpour, the road becomes very wet and can be extremely slippery. The slipperiness and wetness of the road prevent the tire of the vehicle from having a full grip on the road. It is a known fact that one of the biggest causes of vehicular accidents is as a result of very slippery roads brought on by rain or snowfall.
• Rain – especially if it is very heavy prevents the driver from seeing very well, and this contributes massively towards accidents.
• Depending on the nature of road, rain can easily leave a road flooded. Flooded roads are generally impassable and trap vehicles – especially small ones.

What to do when driving in the rain

There a number of important things you can do when driving in the rain in order to prevent accidents. Below are some of the most import things that you should do whenever you are driving under the rain:

1. Never speed when driving in the rain. Remember that when it is raining or after it has rained, roads become very slippery. When roads are slippery, your vehicle tires find it difficult – if not impossible to have a firm grip on the road. This makes speeding a very dangerous thing to do because you can easily lose control of the vehicle because of how slippery the road is. Also, when you speed while driving in the rain, applying instant brakes can be problematic. Here, even after you have pressed on the brakes, because of how slippery the road is, your brakes are no longer very effective. So even after you have slammed on the brakes, the car still moves for a while before stopping. Imagine driving at a full speed and suddenly coming across an obstacle and slamming on the brakes. On a normal day, you might avoid crashing into the obstacle but when it is raining, you might just crash into the obstacle even after you have pressed the brakes. This is simply because of the slippery nature of roads during and just after a downpour. Accidents can easily happen when you speed while driving in the rain.
2. The normal following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you should be increased. We all know that the normal distance is 2 seconds, but when driving in the rain, it is advisable to increase this distance to about 4 or 5 seconds. This will help to prevent a lot of accidents. Remember brakes are not as effective as they are when it is raining so you’ll want to leave a reasonable gap between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
3. Never drive very close to the edge of the road during a downpour. The reason you shouldn’t do this is because the slippery nature of the road can easily force your car off the road and lead to a major accident.
4. Always make sure your headlights are on when driving in the rain – especially when the rain is such that visibility becomes very poor. The putting on of the headlights is very important because it enables you to see clearer and also allows any approaching vehicle to spot yours from a distance and avoid running into your vehicle.
5. Frequently demist your windshield. When driving in the rain, your windshields are going to get enveloped in mist whether you like it or not. When this happens, your windshield becomes very difficult to see through because of the accumulation of mist on the windshield. Demisting it frequently will help you drive more safely.
6. The moment visibility becomes so poor that it makes it difficult for you to keep driving, do not drive. You should never drive when as a result of the rain you cannot see ahead of you. Obviously an accident is bound to happen when you keep on driving even though you cannot see ahead. If you cannot see ahead of you because it is raining very heavily, you should look for a suitable place and park the car. If you park the car by a roadside, then you should remember to leave the parking lights on so that other motorists can see that there is a parked car ahead of them.
7. Watch out for pedestrians. Another important thing you need to do when driving in the rain is to keep a watchful eye on pedestrians, who sometimes in their haste to avoid being beaten by the rain sometimes fail to make the right choices when crossing the road. You have to be mindful of these people too in order to avoid hitting any of them.

Following the tips mentioned above will help keep you and others safe when you are driving in the rain. It is never reasonable to risk your life and that of others by driving in the rain when visibility becomes so poor that you cannot see ahead of you or by speeding in the rain.

Take the driving safety tips above and drive safely in the rain.

Updated December 7, 2019

Driving in rain, whether a sprinkle or a heavy downpour, can be one of the most difficult driving situations a driver encounters. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. No matter what part of the country you live in, it is almost certain that you will be required to drive your vehicle in the rain at some point. Knowing how wet roads and reduced visibility affects the way your vehicle handles will help you drive safely in rainy conditions.

Tips for Driving in the Rain

Wait Until the Weather Improves if Possible

If you feel uncomfortable driving in the rain and can postpone your trip or commute, wait until the weather improves before driving. There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary.

Double Check Your Car’s Equipment

Make sure that your car’s equipment is in working order before encountering rainy weather. Check your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers to make sure that they will work efficiently when they are needed. Also check the tread of your vehicle’s tires. Balding tires can severely reduce traction on wet roadways.

Most states require tires to have a tread depth of at least 2/32″ to stay on the road

Slow Down

Not only should you adhere to the posted speed limit when driving in wet weather conditions, you should drive considerably slower than you normally would. Wet roads are very dangerous. Your vehicle’s reaction time is much slower when it is raining. Reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather.

Turn On Your Headlights

Most states require drivers to turn on their vehicles’ lights while driving in rain. Even if it is only misting, turning on your vehicle’s headlights will increase both your own visibility and other drivers’ ability to see your car on the road.

Use Your Windshield Wipers

While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most cars’ windshield wiper speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or in a heavy downpour. There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the glass and claim to defer the collection of rainwater.

Your wipers should be replaced if you can hear a scraping noise or see some streaking from the blades

Maintain a Safe Distance Between Cars

Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain. Maintain a distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles.

Avoid Heavy Braking

Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune.

Watch Out For Standing Water

Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning to occur. Which is when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas.

Six inches of water can cause loss of control on the road

Let Off The Gas When Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes.

Ventilate Your Car

Rain causes humidity levels to increase. You may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. Most cars’ ventilation systems include a function that will work to reduce this type of fog that develops on the interior of your windows and windshield. It may be necessary to pull over if you are no longer able to see through your windows.

Lower the temperature inside your car quickly by cracking a window if your vent system doesn’t help

Staying safe while driving in the rain is simple if you make a conscious effort to employ these safety precautions. Remember that reducing your speed and turning on your lights are two of the simplest and most effective ways of reducing the chances of an accident caused by wet weather.

Six quick tips so you can handle any storm—whether a light drizzle or a torrential downpour.

Driving in the rain can be stressful, not to mention dangerous. It can be hard to see the road, and conditions can be less than ideal for tire-on-pavement transportation. Even without traffic, water affects how your car handles and turns what might otherwise safe ride into a major hazard. To get where you need to go safely when it’s raining, it’s best to plan ahead and adjust your habits behind the wheel.

Here are six things you can do to drive safely in the rain:

Car tires have treads, the pattern of grooves and channels along their circumference. The tread works to create grip on the road by channeling water, mud, and debris away from the contact patch. With use, the tread wears down and becomes much more likely to slip or spin on wet surfaces.

If you’re not sure your tread is deep enough to stay safe, use the penny test to check . Get a penny and insert it in the tread with Lincoln’s head pointed at the center of the wheel. If you can’t see his hair, your tires are good. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires.

Without windshield wipers, wet weather driving would be like swimming without goggles. Rubber wiper blades collect grime and wear out, leading to streaks or inconsistent wet patches on the windshield. You can clean them by rubbing the blade with rubbing alcohol, but if you notice any cracks or chunks missing, it’s time to buy a new set. The motor and linkage that actually move the wipers can wear out, too, so if yours aren’t working properly, get them inspected to see what’s broken.

Given how significantly rain can impact visibility, do everything you can to make yourself easy to see to other drivers. Driving a bright green exotic is one option, but there’s a far simpler solution – just turn on your headlights. It’s the least you can do to make yourself noticeable, and may be legally required in your state.

Repeat this rainy weather mantra: wipers on, headlights on.

There’s a misconception that driving through a puddle quickly is safest because you’ll get through it faster, but the inverse is actually true. If you’re moving fast enough, your tires will skim over the surface of the water, causing you to hydroplane and potentially lose control of your vehicle.

If you start to hydroplane, keep both hands on the steering wheel and gradually apply the brakes. Slamming on the brakes or jerking the wheel can cause a skid. The best way to avoid this situation altogether is to look far down the road and reduce speed when you approach a puddle.

Cruise control is helpful when roads are dry, but can be a problem when it’s raining. Cruise control works to maintain a constant speed, so it greatly increases the chances of hydroplaning since it’s not smart enough to detect when there’s water on the road. Keep your car under full manual control any time you drive in the rain.

Wet roads can be slick and treacherous, increasing stopping distances and the potential for a skid. Give yourself more time to react by driving 5 to 10mph below the speed limit. Keep right, pass safely, always check your mirrors, and leave several car lengths between you and the driver ahead. It might seem like common sense, but anything you can do to be a slower, more attentive, more courteous driver makes rainy weather safer for all drivers.

Rain forces drivers to adjust to a unfamiliar driving technique. Taking extra precautions and simple adjustments shouldn’t make your drive much longer and your car and more importantly, you, will arrive at your destination in one piece.

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters in the United States. From getting your vehicle serviced and prepared for the rains to auto insurance, visit CityOf.com to find the services you and your vehicle need.

Rainy road conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. It is almost certain that you will be required to drive your vehicle in the rain at some point, no matter what part of the country you live in. Whether it’s a sprinkle or a heavy downpour, driving in rain can be one of the most difficult driving situations a driver will encounter.

The key to driving safely in rainy conditions is knowing how your vehicle will handle on wet roads and reduced visibility.

Postpone your trip, if possible

There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary. In as much as possible, postpone your trip or commute until weather conditions improve. Perhaps you haven’t driven in this kind of weather before and don’t feel comfortable driving. It’s one thing if you need to get home to your family or you’re already on the road, but otherwise, don’t take chances. When bad weather is in the forecast, many people feel they have to go to the store. The same way as you would stay off the roads in heavy snow, you should stay home in heavy rain.

Know the roads

If you’re new to an area, use extra caution during or after a storm. Roads are built to withstand certain weather conditions in different parts of the country. In many southern states, it can rain and the road can look totally dry, but it’s not. That’s because the asphalt isn’t as compressed. Instead, you will squeegee up the water that’s caught in the road aggregate, and your tires will be wet and slick and you won’t even know it. If your route takes you through low-lying bridge underpasses or past ditches prone to flooding, it might be best to re-route.

Do a pre-trip vehicle inspection

It is wise to do a pre-trip vehicle inspection for the first time each day, and in rainy weather, it is crucial to ensure that your car’s equipment is in working order. Check your headlights, tail lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and tire treads to make sure they will work efficiently when needed. Rain or no rain, it’s a ticketable offense when operating without signal lights. Balding tires can severely reduce traction on wet roadways, and most states require tires to have a tread depth of at least 2/32″ to stay on the road. Every week you should check the level of your washer fluid. You should also clean the outsides and insides of windshields and windows, and check your windshield wiper blades for wear every month.

Slow down

Wet roads are very dangerous and reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather. Your vehicle’s reaction time is much slower when it is raining. Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Never use cruise control on wet roads, because if you hydroplane under cruise control, the automatic acceleration can cause you to lose control of your vehicle when your tires regain traction. Leave at least five seconds of following distance between your own car and the one in front, and don’t feel pressure to drive the posted speed limit in the rain.

Turn your headlights on

When using windshield wipers, turn on the actual headlights so that your tail lights come on and identify all four corners of the vehicle for other people to be able to see you. Most states require drivers to turn on their vehicle’s lights while driving in the rain. Even if it is only misting, turning your vehicle’s headlights on will increase both your own visibility and other driver’s ability to see your car on the road.

Use your windshield wipers

Some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most cars have adjustable windshield wiper speeds to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or in a heavy downpour. There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the glass and claim to defer the collection of rainwater.

Maintain a Safe Distance

Realize that stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain. Maintain a distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles.

Watch Out For Standing Water

Hydroplaning can occur when driving through standing water. At that time, your vehicle will lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas. If road markings are covered by water, then it’s too deep to drive on. As little as three inches of water can make you lose control of your vehicle. Even if you manage to stay in control, a larger vehicle could push some of that water underneath your car and cause your engine to stall.

Let Off The Gas When Hydroplaning

If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid going too fast, making sudden turns, or slamming on your brakes. Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control.

Ventilate your car

You may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. That is because the rain causes humidity levels to increase. It may be necessary to pull over if you are unable to see through your windows. If your vent system doesn’t help, you can quickly lower the temperature inside your by cracking a window.

Stay safe

Remember that turning on your lights and reducing your speed are two of the simplest and most effective ways of reducing the chances of an accident caused by wet weather.

Heavy rain and flooding have hit parts of Britain over recent weeks, resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

In wet weather, stopping distances are at least DOUBLE those required on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road.

The ‘two-second rule’ no longer applies, with the Highway Code advising drivers to allow at least twice the distance on wet roads. Further advice includes:

• If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. This is called aquaplaning. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually, maintaining a good grip of the steering wheel. The car will regain its grip as the water clears.
• Rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen.
• Spilt diesel may make the surface very slippery, especially after a prolonged period of dry weather.
• Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards at IAM RoadSmart, said: “With the British weather the way it is, we should all be well practised at driving in the rain. Keeping your car maintained and the rubber (wipers and tyres) in good condition will help you stay safe.

“In the recent extremes, we have seen that standing water and floods are becoming more commonplace, so take extra care and if possible, avoid driving through standing water. If you’re in any doubt about the depth or surface underneath a flood, then it’s best not to take any chances.”

Further advice for driving in rain

IAM RoadSmart has the following additional advice for driving in the rain, including what to do in a flood.

• If you need windscreen wipers, you need your headlights. Automatic lights may not activate in bad weather, so make a sensible decision as to whether these need to be turned on. Daytime running lights are not suitable in heavy rain, especially as your rear lights may not be illuminated.
• Keep your windscreen clean, the wipers in good condition, and the washer jets positioned correctly.
• If you approach a flood, ask yourself some questions, for example:
  • Can you find an alternative route? If the standing water is more than six inches deep, avoid driving through it. If in doubt, stay out.
  • What caused the flood? If it was a burst water main, the road surface may be completely broken up.
  • Are other vehicles able to get through? If not, find an alternative route.
  • Is the water fast flowing? If it is, DO NOT drive through the flood – there’s a danger your car could be swept away.
• If you drive through standing water, do it slowly. Press lightly on your clutch and add gentle pressure on the accelerate to increase engine revs. Do so without increasing your speed to precent water from entering the exhaust. When you have passed through the flood, test your brakes to make sure they are dry and operating correctly.
• Remember, you could receive a fixed penalty and three points on your licence for accidentally splashing pedestrians. Do it deliberately and you could receive a court order and a fine.

Did you know it only takes 1/12th an inch of rain and 35 mph to hydroplane? The roads are more dangerous when rain comes after a dry spell. (Rain slicks the road with accumulated oil and dirt). But, you just need water. Even though most of the oil washes off after one day’s rain, wet roads are dangerous—rainy weather or not.

Limited visibility adds to the danger. Drive smart. Follow these four driving tips for driving in rain.

1. Turn your headlights on

Day or night, keep your headlights on while driving in rain. In many states, laws require headlights during rain or whenever visibility is less than 1000 feet . That is about a quarter of a mile or three and one-third football fields.

2. Newer tires, awesome breaks and wipers

• Threadbare tires are dangerous. Keep your traction at top performance. Maintain relatively new tires with deep tread. Or, get some all-weather tires. This should help if you hydroplane.
• Get regular brake checks.
• Keep your windshield wiper blades ready for rainy days—before the rain comes.

What to do if you hydroplane?

• Ease off the accelerator and continue driving steadily forward.
• Do notslam on the breaks.

3. Don’t use cruise control

Rainy weather demands full attention. Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your feet ready for action.

If you hydroplane, cruise control can cause you to lose control. And, if you do hydroplane, the lack of traction may cause the cruise control to accelerate .

4. Drive smarter

Smart people adjust their strategy around changing conditions. Weather is one of those things. Driving in rain or any inclement weather be careful and pull back:

• Keep your distance. You never know when the person ahead of you will spin out.
• Do not tailgate—especially in limited visibility.
• Slow down. Take corners slower.
• Be patient. Expect extra traffic.

A defensive driving class will help train you for dangerous driving conditions. Techniques and car maintenance keep you smarter on the road, whether driving in rain or any conditions.

Did you know…

In Alaska, headlights have to be on whenever driving over 45 miles per hour on designated highways .

Ready to Drive in Wet Weather?

Read more on how to drive in the rain . Visit I Drive Safely for more driver’s information, resources , and the courses we have to offer.

Most of us will have to drive in the rain many times in our lives. Many people attempt driving in the rain as if the conditions were warm and dry, when everything is actually wet and slick. This attitude could be costly, or even deadly.

Stay Safe Driving in the Rain & Driving On Wet Roads

1) Go Slow.

We know, we know, you have been driving for years and you know what you are doing. The fact is, though, that if you really did know what you were doing, you would realize that the first few hours during and after a rainstorm are the most dangerous. This is because all of the grease and oil from cars creates a film on the road during dry conditions and then when it rains, this layer gets wet and extremely slippery. Slow down to accommodate the slick conditions…and to drive defensively against all those other drivers who also think they can drive at top speed because they know what they are doing.

2) Break Cautiously.

One of the primary reasons that cars collide with each other during rainstorms is the fact that drivers tend to slam on their brakes as if it were dry, but the wet road causes the car to slide forward, often right into the rear of another car. Brake earlier than you normally would and do it gently to notify the person behind you that you are slowing down.

3) No Swimming.

Sure, the big splash that happens when you drive through a huge puddle is fun and the kids might like it. However, what does not like it is your car. If water gets up into the engine compartment, the water can damage the internal systems. In addition, you are not a stunt driver and this is not a cool SUV commercial – if you are stuck in running water during a flood, you are literally going to be stuck in the rain with no car. Avoid the temptation, drive around large puddles, and avoid running water. Once you have passed safely, lightly tap your brake pedal to dry off your rotors.

4) Go With The Flow.

If you decided that you really are a stunt car driver and start to hydroplane in the slick conditions, (we did warn you, after all), take your foot off the gas. Put your foot on the brakes firmly and steadily and steer in the direction of the skid. Wait for the car to come to a complete stop before you attempt to readjust yourself in the right direction.

5) Increase Your Visibility.

When it is raining, turn on your low beam headlights whether it is state law or not. This helps other cars see you, which helps everyone stay safe. Stay in the middle lane as much as possible to see what is going around and let others see you. This also helps you stay out of some of the deeper water, which tends to run off to the side.

6) Check the Depth of Your Tire Tread.

If you are driving on tires with less than 1/16″ of trend remaining, then proceed with extra caution when driving in the rain. The performance of a tire is significantly reduced with the combination of wet roads and little tire tread remaining and can lead to hydroplaning especially at high speeds and around turns. Get your tires replaced quickly.
And with that, you will be able to drive safely in the rain. Remember that your top priority is to reach your destination safely and help keep your fellow drivers safe as well.

Of course, it’s important to drive prudently and stay alert at all times. That being said, there are some weather conditions that simply require more attention than others. If the roads are wet, or if it is raining, there are even more hazards that can cause car accidents. Keep some of the following things in mind when driving in the rain in order to ensure your safety and the safety of those in your vehicle!

Have the right gear

Windshield wipers
Make sure that your windshield wipers are doing their job properly and that they aren’t leaving streaks on your windshield. Decreased visibility can be extremely dangerous. Checking up on the condition of your windshield wipers regularly will help to ensure that you won’t get stuck in the rain with poor sight of what’s ahead.

Lights
Make sure that your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are all functioning as they should. Especially in the rain, these lights are vital for signaling your presence and turns to other drivers when the rain is pouring down.

Avoid cruise control

If you’re driving in the rain, you need to make sure that you are fully focused on driving. Sometimes, when using cruise control, we tend to forget about some of the options that are available when trying to respond to a situation where we lose traction. Additionally, using cruise control increases the chance of your vehicle losing traction.

Slow down and leave room

This seems like the most obvious tip, but it is often forgotten. Driving slowly in the rain will reduce the chance of your vehicle hydroplaning. Leaving room between your car and other vehicles also gives you more time to respond, and helps you to avoid hard braking. Hard braking in the rain can cause hydroplaning, so when you are approaching intersections or stop signs, make sure to start slowing down early!

How to respond to a skid

Even if you’re driving carefully and being alert, it is possible that you will experience a skid. If you feel like your vehicle is beginning to skid, don’t panic and remember:
– Look and steer in the direction that you want the car to go.
– Avoid hard braking. This will affect the car’s balance and make it harder to control the direction that it’s being steered in.

Remember to always be very careful in wet weather. When nervous, just make sure that you drive at a slow speed that you are comfortable with in order to prevent a car accident.

Now reading: Wet weather safety tips and Volkswagen safety features

Wet weather safety tips and Volkswagen safety features

Volkswagen Article | January 2017 |

How to Drive Safely in the Rain

Are you driving safely in wet weather? As a responsible driver it is up to you to ensure that you not only know how to handle your precious Volkswagen, but also keep yourself and your passengers safe in wet weather. With the right information and Volkswagen’s clever technology and safety features you will have the upper hand over potentially dangerous wet weather conditions.

How Volkswagen Keeps You Safe

Adhering to global safety codes requires more than just good intentions, this is why Volkswagen is in the business of creating innovative safety features. Through continuous research and development Volkswagen has perfected many lifesaving features.

Multi Collision Brake System

The Multi Collision Brake System acts as an emergency brake. If the airbag is deployed or if two independent sensors detect the initial collision, the system is automatically activated to prevent a secondary collision. While this award-winning technology acts autonomously, the driver is still able to override it if need be by simply engaging the accelerator or braking harder.

Driver Fatigue Detection

Constantly measures pedal and steering wheel use to assess your driving behaviour from speeds of over 65km per hour. Sensing a loss of concentration, the system warns the driver via an acoustic signal and a visual message. In wet weather this feature is instrumental in ensuring the driver is able to concentrate well enough to drive safely.

Braking Systems

Anti-lock Braking System or ABS was invented waaay back in the 1950s. With the aim of reducing braking time; ABS ensures that wheels lock and release immediately, keeping the driver in control and preventing loss of traction and skidding.

Over and above the improvements to the efficacy of the system as a whole, Volkswagen has combined sought out additional ways to ensure your safety. Combining ABS with other systems such as Brake Assist, Traction Control Systems, Electronic Differential Lock, Hydraulic Brake Assist and Electronic Stabilisation Program; your Volkswagen is easier to control and accidents are so much easier to prevent.

Automatic Distance Control ACC

In conjunction with Volkswagen’s Cruise Control, your vehicle employs distance sensorsto measure your distance and speed in relation to the vehicle in front of you. This system can be incredibly helpful in wet weather where other road users may behave unpredictably. Most notably is the fact that the driver their own can set the speed and following distance, another perfect way to ensure a safe following distance in the rain.

How to Keep Yourself Safe

In case you need to brush up on your driving general knowledge, here are a few wet-weather safety tips.

• Make sure you can see the road clearly, use your windscreen wipers and always switch your lights on to the normal setting (don’t use your brights).
• If you can’t see vehicles in front of you at a safe following distance, rather pull off the road into a safe rest area.
• Drive defensively by increasing your following distance to at least double the distance you would keep in dry conditions.
• Never slow down so much that you are a risk to other drivers, rather pull off the road to a safe rest area.
• Keep your air conditioning on to prevent your windows misting up and hindering your visibility.
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes and be considerate towards other road users.
• Avoid aquaplaning by driving slowly and carefully through standing water. If you do aquaplane, do not brake, rather ease off the accelerator until you regain traction.
• Driving in wet weather requires a higher level of concentration than the usual driving conditions. Make sure you are well rested; have not been drinking and are not distracted by cell phones other or passengers.
• Ensure your windscreen wiper blades, tyres and lights are all in good working condition.
• Never attempt to cross over a river or closed road.

Now that you are ready to drive carefully in the rain, make sure you pack an umbrella and raincoat and proceed with caution. You might even want to grab the opportunity to test drivea new Volkswagen just to see how well it performs in wet weather.

Heavy winds and rain make for a disastrous driving combination. While the rain causes your tires to lose traction, the wind can blow objects onto the road or even blow your car off course. Due to these safety risks, the best thing to do when the inclement weather occurs is to stay inside and refrain from driving. However, sometimes staying home isn’t an option. If you’re in a situation where driving is necessary, it’s important to learn how to drive safely in such weather to reduce your risk of getting in an accident. Here are some of our best tips on how to drive safely in strong wind and rain.

Keep your distance

Now is not the time for tailgating. The further you stay from other vehicles, the safer you’ll be while driving in strong winds and rain.

As previously stated, strong winds can quickly knock you or other vehicles off course. If you’re driving too close to another vehicle, this sudden and involuntary change of course can result in a dangerous collision. By keeping your distance from other vehicles, you’ll have a nice cushion of space just in case you suddenly lose control or need to brake.

Ease off the gas

Perhaps the most important tip on how to drive safely in strong winds and rain is to ease off the gas. In other words, slow down. The faster you drive, the harder it becomes to stay in control of your vehicle in crosswinds. Slowing down will also decrease your risk of hydroplaning as your tires will be able to scatter the water better.

Make sure your tires are up to snuff

Your vehicle’s tires will play a large role in your safety when driving in strong winds and rain. Heavy rains significantly reduce traction on the road, which makes it harder to start, stop, and turn without sliding. If the tread on your tires is worn, your vehicle’s traction will be even worse, and you’ll greatly increase your likelihood of slipping and sliding off the road or into another vehicle.

To ensure your vehicle has the best possible grip on the road, it’s important to rotate and replace your tires regularly. You should also make sure that your tires are at the proper inflation level to further improve your vehicle’s traction.

To ensure that your vehicle is prepared to handle strong winds and rain whenever they arrive, purchase a set of new tires from RNR Tire Express. Our tire shop in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a wide variety of tires for nearly every make and model so that you have what you need to tackle the road safely.

Driving in the winter is challenging, and even more so in the freezing rain. Take a look at these tips to stay safe on the wintery roads ahead.

Darker nights, harsher weather – what’s not to love about Canadian winters? Tougher winters mean dangerous driving conditions, which is something you’re likely well aware of if you’ve survived a Canadian winter before. Freezing rain is one of the weather conditions we have to look forward to each and every year, and driving in it can prove to be quite a challenge. Take a look at these tips to make sure you stay safe on the road, even in freezing rain.

Clear off your car before you head out

Did the temperature drop overnight? Looks like you’ll be starting the day with some de-icing . Whether it’s snow or ice, you don’t want to risk the dangers of driving without clearing off your car. Turning on the heat and waiting for the ice to melt away can work if you’ve got the time to wait, but don’t take off in hopes that it’ll melt as you drive. Your best (and fastest) bet is to whip out your brush and scraper, and get to clearing!

Leave extra distance between vehicles

You’ve successfully de-iced your car and you’re on your way. As you start navigating those side streets or driving down the highway, be sure to leave extra distance between yourself and other cars. Increasing your braking distance in inclement weather will help you avoid collisions with other drivers.

Be (extra) alert

Other drivers may not be as conscientious about removing snow or ice from their cars, potentially putting other drivers at risk. Be mindful of the cars around you, particularly trucks. If you see that a motorist hasn’t removed snow or ice from their vehicle, pull back if possible.

Snow sometimes accompanies freezing rain, so beware of snowplows out trying to clear the road for other drivers. These vehicles must travel much slower than others. Be generous with the extra space around them, and go slow.

Finally, never pass a slow plow – it’s extremely dangerous.

As a driver, you must be sensitive to weather conditions. It’s that simple. When confronted with adverse weather and your trip is not absolutely necessary, the safest choice you can make may be to cancel or delay your trip until conditions improve. When you must drive in less than ideal weather conditions, there are a number of appropriate actions you should know how to execute. After all, the goal is to safely arrive at your destination.

Heavy rain is one of the most common adverse weather conditions that drivers face. From torrential downpours that result in flooded streets or heavy rain that blocks visibility, here are a few safety tips for driving in the rain.

How to Drive Safely In the Rain

• Turn on your low beams and windshield wipers.
  Activating your low beams and wipers will ensure other vehicles can see you. The state of Illinois requires windshield wipers to be on when low beams are also on. Obey the law to not only ensure your safety but to avoid a legal hassle.
• Increase your following distance.
  Wet roads are slick surfaces that require special attention when driving on them. When the road is wet, it will take your vehicle a little bit more time to come to a complete stop. Practice safe driving by putting more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. The average reaction time for drivers is 3⁄4 of a second. Allow yourself enough time to identify the hazard and a plan of avoidance.
• Reduce your speed.
  Speed limits are set for ideal weather conditions, not wet and slippery roadways. Speeding and over-confidence in adverse conditions can lead to hydroplaning.
• Brake smoothly.
  You should never slam on the brakes, but this is especially true when driving on wet roads. Apply pressure to the brake slowly, smoothy and early. Try to avoid changing lanes abruptly.
• Avoid standing water.
  Sounds pretty easy, right? Well, at night this can prove to be a bit more challenging to spot clearly. A general rule of thumb is to scan ahead and anticipate where water might be accumulating. Does water appear to be in one lane more so than the other? Is water welling up on the shoulder of the road?
• Exercise extra caution at intersections.
  Slow well before intersections by covering the brake. Even with good visibility and in the best of conditions, intersections are a high-risk area for collisions. Remember to anticipate never assume another drivers actions. Drivers may not come to a complete stop and blow through an intersection especially in slippery conditions if they have not been properly trained to drive in adverse conditions.

What Is Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning refers to a film of water that forms between the roadway and your tires, actually lifting the front wheels off the pavement and adversely affecting your ability to steer and brake. Although there are many variables that determine whether or not your vehicle will hydroplane, vehicles can hydroplane at even low speeds.

Always Account for the Type of Vehicle You’re Driving

Think about it. The type of vehicle you are driving does affect the way you address adverse conditions. Which wheels are the “drive” wheels? Is your vehicle rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive? All-wheel or four-wheel drive? Each has slightly different driving characteristics and you should remind yourself of these factors before embarking on your journey.

Interested in taking an adverse weather course with Top Driver? Click here to register! This refresher course is only $15, online and self-paced. You’ll learn about driving safety considerations in adverse weather, the importance of traction and weight shift in poor conditions, driving in rain, and driving in winter conditions.

Driving in inclement weather can be dangerous, and road conditions and visibility can deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly. While snowy, icy conditions might be the first weather-related challenge to come to mind, driving in the rain has its own set of hazards, too. When it rains, motorists need to contend with wet pavement, slick conditions, and poor visibility. In order to overcome weather-related obstacles, you may want to consider these tips for driving in the rain.

Visibility and Stopping Time
The Federal Highway Administration says rain can reduce visibility, and wet pavement can make it harder to maneuver and stop your vehicle. In other words, you may need to slow down when you’re driving in the rain, to help ensure you maintain control of your car and can stop when you need to. It’s also a good idea to leave a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, so you will be able to stop in time if that vehicle brakes.

Also, make sure your headlights are turned on at all times when it’s raining. You not only want your field of vision to be clear and well-lit, but you want to make sure the other motorists on the highway can see your vehicle, as well.

Hydroplaning
In addition to reduced maneuverability and longer stop times, another wet pavement hazard is hydroplaning, which occurs when your tires lose contact with the road and ride on the water. Speed is one of the main factors that can cause hydroplaning, and another reason to decrease your speed when driving in the rain. You should also avoid slamming on the brakes when it is raining, which also could send your car into a skid.

Always make sure your tires are in good shape. Balding tires have less traction, which can contribute to hydroplaning. In a 2011 article, Consumer Reports said its researchers found that hydroplaning occurred at a speed of three to four miles per hour lower on worn tires than it did on new tires.

If you do begin to hydroplane on a wet roadway, various state drivers’ manuals suggest that you do the following:

• Take your foot off the accelerator.
• Do not hit the brake, as it may cause you to skid
• Avoid pushing the brake or the accelerator until your car regains traction.

Standing Water
Driving through standing water can be dangerous and problematic. The National Weather Service says two feet of water can sweep most vehicles away, but you can lose control of your car in as little as six inches of water. So, if you can tell that the water on a roadway or parking lot is too deep, or if you cannot gauge its depth, it’s safest to turn around and avoid driving through it.

Be Prepared
It’s not only how you drive on wet roads that is important, but also how prepared you are for inclement weather conditions. As mentioned above, making sure your tire tread isn’t worn out so that your car can get good traction on wet roads is important. Here are a few tips to keep yourself prepared.

• Check the weather forecast before leaving home.
• Allow yourself extra time to reach your destination, in case you must drive more slowly because of rainy conditions.
• Check your wiper blades to ensure they are in good working order.
• Make sure your headlights are working, so you can see and be seen.
• Equip your car with an emergency safety kit.

Driving in rainy weather can be tricky. You can’t control the weather forecast, but you can be prepared and take precautions to drive safely when the pavement is slick and the visibility is low.

This guest post comes from the editors of The Allstate Blog, which helps people prepare for the unpredictability of life.

What the weather is like in Hawaii

The weather usually varies in Hawaii depending on where you are. It ranges from desert-like climates to beautiful tropical climates. In between, you have certain areas that get hundreds of inches of rain per year. As an overall average, the entire state of Hawaii normally gets less than twenty inches of rain per year. So, overall, Hawaii does get much less rain than a lot of states.

However, there are areas that average much more rain than that as we just mentioned. These areas include Kaneohe, Hana, Kilauea, Hawaii Volcanoes Park and Hilo. These areas all average over two hundred days of rain per year and some average over a hundred inches of rain per year. So, you can see that the heavy rainfall in Hawaii is concentrated in several small areas.

What driving is like in Hawaii

Driving in Hawaii is much slower paced and relaxed than it is in most other places in the United States. This can be pleasant for some while it can be frustrating for others. Drivers in Hawaii often do not drive over the speed limit and they also do not exhibit much “road rage” if any at all. In fact, drivers in Hawaii really only use their horns to say “hello” to someone or to acknowledge someone, they do not use horns to say “get out of the way” or “speed up.”

As you might expect, this laid-back style of driving becomes even slower moving when there is inclement weather just as traffic does in any other part of the country. For safety’s sake, this is a good thing. For the sake of getting somewhere in an efficient amount of time, it hurts a bit.

Tips for driving in the rain in Hawaii

Driving in the rain in Hawaii requires focus and safety, just as it would anywhere else. However, it is also a little bit different than most other places at the same time. Use the following tips to be able to drive safely in the rain in Hawaii:

Always check your weather before you head out on the road – Knowing what you are getting yourself into will help you plan the route you take and minimize overall travel time.

Give yourself some extra time – If you know that there is a chance of rain in the forecast, you should give yourself some extra time for your commute. If you do this, the worst thing that could happen is that you end up arriving at your destination a bit early. In Hawaii, driving through the rain can easily take longer than it does in most other places.

Keep some extra distance between you and the car in front of you – In case you need to stop short in the rain, you might end up in a skid. With this possibility in mind, you should give yourself some extra distance between you and the car in front of you.

Try and avoid hitting and big puddles or standing areas of water – Driving through areas of standing water can cause you to hydroplane and lose control of your car. If possible, try to avoid driving through large spots of water.

Final word

For the most part, you likely will not end up seeing much precipitation in Hawaii. However, some areas end up getting much more rain than others in Hawaii. So, if you end up needing to drive through these areas, you should be ready to drive through some rain. This also means being ready for your drive to move along at an even slower pace than normal. If you are moving to Hawaii or taking a long trip there you always have the option of shipping your car there, so call us today at (808) 445-6695!

Driving in the rain can be stressful, not to mention dangerous. It can be hard to see the road, and conditions can be less than ideal for tire-on-pavement transportation. Even without traffic, water affects how your car handles and turns what might otherwise safe ride into a major hazard. To get where you need to go safely when it’s raining, it’s best to plan ahead and adjust your habits behind the wheel.

Here are six things you can do to drive safely in the rain :

1. Check your tires

If you’re not sure your tread is deep enough to stay safe, use the penny test to check . Get a penny and insert it in the tread with Lincoln’s head pointed at the center of the wheel. If you can’t see his hair, your tires are good. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires.

2. Inspect your windshield wipers

Getty Stefan Rebbin/EyeEm

Without windshield wipers, wet weather driving would be like swimming without goggles. Rubber wiper blades collect grime and wear out, leading to streaks or inconsistent wet patches on the windshield. You can clean them by rubbing the blade with rubbing alcohol, but if you notice any cracks or chunks missing, it’s time to buy a new set. The motor and linkage that actually move the wipers can wear out, too, so if yours aren’t working properly, get them inspected to see what’s broken.

3. Turn on your headlights

Given how significantly rain can impact visibility, do everything you can to make yourself easy to see to other drivers. Driving a bright green exotic is one option, but there’s a far simpler solution – just turn on your headlights. It’s the least you can do to make yourself noticeable and may be legally required in your state.

Repeat this rainy weather mantra: wipers on, headlights on.

4. Avoid hydroplaning

There’s a misconception that driving through a puddle quickly is safest because you’ll get through it faster, but the inverse is actually true. If you’re moving fast enough, your tires will skim over the surface of the water, causing you to hydroplane and potentially lose control of your vehicle.

If you start to hydroplane, keep both hands on the steering wheel and gradually apply the brakes. Slamming on the brakes or jerking the wheel can cause a skid. The best way to avoid this situation altogether is to look far down the road and reduce speed when you approach a puddle.

5. Never use cruise control

Getty Sara+ alsecco/EyeEm

Cruise control is helpful when roads are dry, but can be a problem when it’s raining. Cruise control works to maintain a constant speed, so it greatly increases the chances of hydroplaning since it’s not smart enough to detect when there’s water on the road. Keep your car under full manual control anytime you drive in the rain.

6. Slow way down

Getty Walter +Hodges

Wet roads can be slick and treacherous, increasing stopping distances and the potential for a skid. Give yourself more time to react by driving 5 to 10mph below the speed limit. Keep right, pass safely, always check your mirrors, and leave several car lengths between you and the driver ahead. It might seem like common sense, but anything you can do to be a slower, more attentive, more courteous driver makes rainy weather safer for all drivers.

Rain forces drivers to adjust to a unfamiliar driving technique. Taking extra precautions and simple adjustments shouldn’t make your drive much longer and your car and more importantly, you, will arrive at your destination in one piece.

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Heavy winds and rain make for a disastrous driving combination. While the rain causes your tires to lose traction, the wind can blow objects onto the road or even blow your car off course. Due to these safety risks, the best thing to do when the inclement weather occurs is to stay inside and refrain from driving. However, sometimes staying home isn’t an option. If you’re in a situation where driving is necessary, it’s important to learn how to drive safely in such weather to reduce your risk of getting in an accident. Here are some of our best tips on how to drive safely in strong wind and rain.

Keep your distance

Now is not the time for tailgating. The further you stay from other vehicles, the safer you’ll be while driving in strong winds and rain.

As previously stated, strong winds can quickly knock you or other vehicles off course. If you’re driving too close to another vehicle, this sudden and involuntary change of course can result in a dangerous collision. By keeping your distance from other vehicles, you’ll have a nice cushion of space just in case you suddenly lose control or need to brake.

Ease off the gas

Perhaps the most important tip on how to drive safely in strong winds and rain is to ease off the gas. In other words, slow down. The faster you drive, the harder it becomes to stay in control of your vehicle in crosswinds. Slowing down will also decrease your risk of hydroplaning as your tires will be able to scatter the water better.

Make sure your tires are up to snuff

Your vehicle’s tires will play a large role in your safety when driving in strong winds and rain. Heavy rains significantly reduce traction on the road, which makes it harder to start, stop, and turn without sliding. If the tread on your tires is worn, your vehicle’s traction will be even worse, and you’ll greatly increase your likelihood of slipping and sliding off the road or into another vehicle.

To ensure your vehicle has the best possible grip on the road, it’s important to rotate and replace your tires regularly. You should also make sure that your tires are at the proper inflation level to further improve your vehicle’s traction.

To ensure that your vehicle is prepared to handle strong winds and rain whenever they arrive, purchase a set of new tires from RNR Tire Express. Our tire shop in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a wide variety of tires for nearly every make and model so that you have what you need to tackle the road safely.

Slowing down and following cars at a proper distance go a long way in staying safe while driving in the rain.

Studies show that more accidents occur in rain than in snow. In fact, nearly half of all weather-related collisions occur during rainfall. Experts attribute this to drivers being overconfident driving in rainy conditions and far more cautious when snow or ice is present. This is all the more reason for drivers to take care to drive safely in the rain. In this article, Step 1 advises that you keep your car ready for wet weather, Step 2 warns that you should drive more slowly, Step 3 recommends leaving more space than usual between you and the car in front, Step 4 suggests that you steer clear of cruise control, and Step 5 warns you about hydroplaning.

Part 1 of 1: How to drive safely in stormy weather

Reduced visibility and the potential to hydroplane are the two biggest threats when driving in rainy conditions. With proper awareness, preparation, and driving techniques, however, you can greatly reduce your chances of an accident when rain begins to fall.

Step 1: Properly maintain your vehicle for rainy weather. Your tires and windshield wipers play an important role for rain-driving safety.

Every few months, check the tread on each of your tires by placing a quarter inside the tread with the top of President Washington’s head going in first. If you cannot see the top of Washington’s head, your tires have sufficient tread. If you can, it’s time for new tires.

Whenever you notice your windshield wipers don’t clear away rain like they should, go ahead and replace the blades.

Step 2: Slow down. When the pavement is wet, your vehicle’s tires lose approximately a third of their usual traction. This greatly increases your risk of slipping and sliding.

• Tip: As a general rule, slow down a third of the speed limit in heavy rain to compensate for the amount of traction lost.

Step 3: Hang back further from other vehicles. When it is dry outside, you should have at least a car’s length between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

This distance should increase when roads are slick and visibility lessened due to the greater risk of slides and diminished reaction time. Aim for two car lengths between you and other vehicles in heavy rain.

Step 4: Use technology wisely. Avoid using regular or adaptive cruise control in the rain because this feature actually reduces your traction during the braking process, which can increase your chance of a collision.

Features like traction-control and anti-lock braking systems, however, help drivers stay in control in rainy conditions.

Step 5: Know how to handle hydroplaning. It is easy to tell someone to stay calm when in a scary situation, but simply staying calm may not be enough when your vehicle hydroplanes.

Avoid panic to the best of your ability, but continue to point your steering straight ahead, ease off of the accelerator, and gently depress the brake. When your tires can find traction again, this will help you regain control and stay on the road.

While driving in the rain may be a common occurrence, be aware that such weather conditions pose a safety hazard. Use extra caution and do your best to be prepared, and you greatly increase your likelihood of a safe and uneventful trip.

Wet roads and poor visibility can greatly increase your risk of a crash. In fact, according to AAA, wet roads contribute to as many as 1.2 million traffic accidents each year. Poor weather conditions make it more difficult for drivers to identify and respond to standing water, downed branches and other hazards. To reduce your risk of a rain-related accident, follow these safety tips.

Slow Down

Driving too fast on wet roads increases your risk of a crash, especially if you hit standing water or lose traction. It is important to understand that the posted speed limits may no longer apply in bad weather, and a careful driver will travel at slower speeds on slick roads.

Not only does slowing down reduce your risk of losing control, it also helps you leave sufficient stopping distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. If they have to stop quickly, slick roads may make it more difficult for you to stop in time if you are following too closely.

Use Your Headlights

It can be easy to forget to turn your lights on when a shower pops up, especially when turning your lights on does not seem to help improve your visibility. However, turning your lights on does make your car more visible to other drivers. It can be difficult to spot other vehicles in the often bleak conditions brought on by wet weather. This is especially true for older drivers or those who are not familiar with the area. As a side note, do not drive with your flashers on. Use flashers only for emergencies when you are stopped at the side of the road.

Avoid Driving in the Dark

When possible, avoid nighttime driving during the rain. When it rains at night, it is much more difficult to spot pedestrians, animals, debris on the road, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and other possible hazards. If you do have to drive at night, take your time and pay close attention to your surroundings and other traffic.

Avoid Standing Water

Never drive through standing water that appears higher than your engine block. Not only could a current from a flooded creek or river wash your car off the road, water can seep into your engine and stall you out, causing electrical problems. If you do drive into standing water and then realize the water level is approaching the lower edge of your doors, back out and immediately find another route.

Know Hydroplaning Risks

By understanding when hydroplaning occurs, you can greatly reduce your risk. To cut down on your chances of hydroplaning:

• Reduce your speed – Most incidents occur at 35 miles per hour or above.
• Choose tires with tread designed to prevent hydroplaning – Bald tires contribute to your risk
• Never use cruise control in slick conditions – This makes it more difficult to regain control
• Avoid standing water, even if it is only a fraction of an inch – Hydroplaning occurs most frequently when there is only a film of moisture on the roadway
• Drive in the middle lane when possible – Runoff tends to collect on the right and left sides of the road

React Properly If You Do Hydroplane

While avoiding a situation where you hydroplane is the best option, it is not always possible. If you do feel your tires lose traction, immediately take your foot off of the gas pedal. Do not, however, slam on the brakes. Instead, gently steer into the spin and wait to feel your tires get traction again. In most cases, this takes only seconds and you can regain control of your car.

Prepare for Driving in Wet Weather

Before you drive in rain or other wet conditions, it is important to ensure your car is in proper working condition:

• Checking your windshield wipers for evidence of tearing or other wear
• Topping off your windshield wiper fluid
• Repairing any dents or cracks in your line of vision that might reduce visibility through the windshield glass

Contact Cordisco & Saile LLC After an Accident

Rainy weather is a dangerous time to drive, even if you follow all of these tips. You can still file a claim if your accident happened in bad weather. If you suffered serious injuries in a rain-related accident caused by a driver who acted carelessly or recklessly, Cordisco & Saile LLC can help you get the compensation you deserve from the liable party. Call us today at 215-642-2335 for a free case evaluation, or to talk more about your options for financial recovery.

Heavy rain and flooding have hit parts of Britain over recent weeks, resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

In wet weather, stopping distances are at least DOUBLE those required on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road.

The ‘two-second rule’ no longer applies, with the Highway Code advising drivers to allow at least twice the distance on wet roads. Further advice includes:

• If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. This is called aquaplaning. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually, maintaining a good grip of the steering wheel. The car will regain its grip as the water clears.
• Rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen.
• Spilt diesel may make the surface very slippery, especially after a prolonged period of dry weather.
• Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards at IAM RoadSmart, said: “With the British weather the way it is, we should all be well practised at driving in the rain. Keeping your car maintained and the rubber (wipers and tyres) in good condition will help you stay safe.

“In the recent extremes, we have seen that standing water and floods are becoming more commonplace, so take extra care and if possible, avoid driving through standing water. If you’re in any doubt about the depth or surface underneath a flood, then it’s best not to take any chances.”

Further advice for driving in rain

IAM RoadSmart has the following additional advice for driving in the rain, including what to do in a flood.

• If you need windscreen wipers, you need your headlights. Automatic lights may not activate in bad weather, so make a sensible decision as to whether these need to be turned on. Daytime running lights are not suitable in heavy rain, especially as your rear lights may not be illuminated.
• Keep your windscreen clean, the wipers in good condition, and the washer jets positioned correctly.
• If you approach a flood, ask yourself some questions, for example:
  • Can you find an alternative route? If the standing water is more than six inches deep, avoid driving through it. If in doubt, stay out.
  • What caused the flood? If it was a burst water main, the road surface may be completely broken up.
  • Are other vehicles able to get through? If not, find an alternative route.
  • Is the water fast flowing? If it is, DO NOT drive through the flood – there’s a danger your car could be swept away.
• If you drive through standing water, do it slowly. Press lightly on your clutch and add gentle pressure on the accelerate to increase engine revs. Do so without increasing your speed to precent water from entering the exhaust. When you have passed through the flood, test your brakes to make sure they are dry and operating correctly.
• Remember, you could receive a fixed penalty and three points on your licence for accidentally splashing pedestrians. Do it deliberately and you could receive a court order and a fine.

Poor weather conditions can have a major impact on road safety. In fact, 10% of all car accidents happen during the rain and 16% of all accidents happen on wet pavement. So, it is important that drivers learn how to drive in these dangerous conditions. There are many things that drivers need to know how to do in the rain to keep them safe.

Need To Take An Online Drivers Ed Course? CLICK HERE!

VIDEO: Tips For Driving Safe In The Rain

Be Prepared

• Start with proper car maintenance before you drive in any poor weather conditions. Make sure the windshield wipers are in good working order and that your defrost works. Check your tire pressure and grip, make sure they are in safe working condition. Also check your headlights, taillights, brakelights, turning signals, and high beams. Rain reduces visibility so your best way to communicate with other drivers is with working lights.
• If you are in an area with a lot of rain, look into high-tech safety features when purchasing a car. Newer features like traction control, anti-lock brake systems, electronic stability control, anti-skid control, and lane-keeping assist can all be invaluable when driving in the rain. Do not use cruise control, it may be convenient but during the rain you need to have full control over your vehicle. Also if you can, invest in a rain repellent product and wash your windows with it to maintain visibility. If you drive a truck, install mud flaps to help other drivers.
• Before driving, check the weather conditions. If it a heavy rainstorm is predicted, try to drive accordingly. Make sure you take the safest route, have a plan if you have to pull over, and if possible, delay your trip until the weather conditions are better. Roads are especially dangerous immediately after rain because the oil on the road loosens from the water and causes slippery pavement. If you can avoid driving at this time.
• Be aware that brakes, especially drum brakes, do not work as well in the water. So make sure you understand how your brakes are inhibited, so that you can adjust accordingly when driving in the rain.
• Do not distracted drive. Stay off your cell phones, turn down load music, avoid talking to other people in the car, and do not eat, smoke, or apply makeup. Stay completely focused and alert during the rain. Make sure to keep both hands on the wheels at all times, be prepared to stop when necessary and always keep your eyes on the road.

Driving In The Rain

• Stay calm. It may be scary to drive in bad weather conditions, but getting stressed out will keep you from being completely focused. If you notice you are getting too stressed out, pull over and wait for the rain to stop.
• Turn on your headlights so that other drivers can see you and so you increase your own visibility.
• Turn on your defrost to prevent condensation from impeding your vision. Use your windshield wipers to keep your windshield clear. If necessary, use windshield washer fluid to remove any mud or road dirt that can smear with the rain.
• Keep a minimum of five car lengths between you and the car in front of you. If someone is tailgating you, do not speed up. Instead, let them pass you. Always give yourself adequate space to stop.
• Slow down. During rain, the road conditions are not stable, so it is recommended you drive below the posted speed limit. Also give yourself more time to stop when coming to an intersection.
• Watch for potholes, gutters, and ruts in the road where water can accumulate. If the water is rushing in the drains, try to drive in the left hand lane if possible.
• Do not drive into flooded streets. Cars were not designed to drive in water and you can get stuck or ruin your vehicle.

What To Do If You Hydroplane

The biggest risk to driving in the rain is hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is when your tires are driving on the surface of the water and no longer connecting with the pavement. It is incredibly easy to lose control when your car starts to hydroplane. You can tell when you are hydroplaning because the steering wheel will felt looser and lighter. Here are tips on how to handle when you hydroplane:

• Stay calm. If you panic you may react too quickly and sudden movements are the most dangerous thing you can do when hydroplaning.
• Keep your wheel straight. Try not to turn during hydroplaning, even if it is part of your route because you could spin out and cause an accident. If your steering wheel starts turning while hydroplaning, don’t react by immediately pulling it the other direction, stay loose and try to guide it back to straight.
• Do not brake suddenly or you will lose control of your vehicle. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and then only if needed, slowly press the brake. Gauging how your car reacts to braking, reduce the amount of braking if you start to lose control.
• If you start to skid, just keep your eyes straight and try to direct your car straight. Do not follow the skid or try to turn the other direction. Instead of trying to stop the skid which is almost impossible, just try to control the skid.

Rainstorms and wet roads can be very dangerous for drivers. However, if you are prepared, you stay calm, and you know what to do when it rains you will stay safe. To learn more about driving in the rain, it is a great idea to take a Texas adult online drivers education course. In these courses you will learn what to do if heavy rain starts and other tips and techniques to reduce your risk.

Driving in the rain can be a scary thing, and in the night, it is even worse. It is difficult to see out of the window, and the other car’s lights seem to make it worse.

Here are some tips on how to avoid getting into an accident when it is raining.

Hands on the Steering Wheel

Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times! Keep all distractions, such as cell phones or even the radio, off and away from you. While focus to your front, do take a look in back view mirror as well right hand side and left hand side so that you get an 360 degree over view what is happening around any mud slide or falling tree, electric pole, hanging electrical wires or in-coming hazard.

Headlights On

Turn on your headlights. Many cities require headlights when it’s raining, even in broad daylight. This will make it easier for you to see what is in front of you; thus, preventing any accidents.

Minimum Following Distance

Keep a minimum of a good five car length from the car in front of you. You never know what other drivers are going to do or what could happen to you! If that feels too close or too far a rule of thumb is one second of following distance per 10 mph (16 km/h). That holds true especially in bad weather.

Reasonable Speed Limit

Drive at or below the speed limit to the extent that you are comfortable with, and can see far enough in front of you to appropriately make driving decisions.

Tyre Maximum Speed Limit

Be aware that the maximum speed at which you can drive is directly related to your tyres. Be sure to know what their condition is in. Radial tyres have better traction than the old bias ply polyester tires, but even they lose their ability to grip wet pavement and channel water out as the tread wears out.

Beware of Hydroplaning

Be aware of hydroplaning. This is where your vehicle travels on top of the water and has no or very little contact with the ground. Your traction is reduced significantly. To safely get out of a hydroplaning situation let off the gas and steer straight or slightly in the direction you must go. Do not make sudden motions and remain calm.

Flooded Roads

Avoid flooded roads. Never drive through standing or flowing water in a road way unless you have no choice or you are able to follow someone else to judge the depth of the water. Flooding the engine of your car can cause the engine to stall, and deep water can actually float your car and take it off the roadway.

Use Your Defroster

Turn on the defroster if the windshield begins to fog. In hot, muggy weather, air conditioned air (which cannot contain as much moisture) will usually clear the inside of the windshield faster than non-air conditioned.

The Brake Factor

Be aware that brakes can be affected by water. Wet drum type brakes are especially prone to decreased stopping power after driving through deep water.

Tyres, Windshield and Wipers

Those tires and windshield wipers are important. Make sure you get new windshield wipers yearly and it’s always a good rule of thumb to once a week check your tires for proper inflation and tread. If you have little to no tread on your tires you run the risk of sliding around and hydroplaning easier. New windshield wipers will give you better visibility so you can travel as safely as possible and be aware of what’s ahead.

Potholes

Watch for splashing from potholes and pools of water that accumulate at clogged storm drain pipes and low areas of the pavement. Highways also develop “ruts” where the heaviest traffic tracks and you may be able to position your vehicle while remaining in your lane to avoid these.

Drive Safely in the Rain

In the event of an emergency, use your car as a flotation device

Rain-drenched winter and spring days in a desert nation like the UAE are always a cause for celebration. Get behind the wheel of your car, however, and you may end up gritting your teeth in frustration at the stupidity of the drivers around you who, like you, may be unaware of the basic rules that keep you safe on wet roads.Here’s a complete guide on how to drive safely in the rain.

So you’re driving in the rain, scrunching your eyes to see better even as windshield wipers do their thing, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. The traffic is moving slowly but then, out of nowhere, a driver (idiot!) in the lane next to you decides to change lanes and cut in in front of you. You know this guy – it’s the same driver who sees every gap between cars as an opportunity that must not missed, zigging and zagging between lanes only to get nowhere. It’s the driver that others snigger at when they encounter the same car two miles down, proving that all that hectic footwork was for nothing.

Don’t be that driver – not ever, but especially when it’s raining. There may be a patent pending for tiny minions armed tiny wipers who man your wing mirrors to keep maximum visibility through two layers of rain – on your window and on the mirror – but don’t hold your breath. Chances are that no vehicles – not yours nor the ones swerving in front of you – have optimum peripheral visibility to absorb random, sudden lane changes.

On top of the Dubai Police’s list of driving behaviors that cause accidents is frequent lane changes. During rain, when accidents have been reported in the UAE every two minutes, the police say that the cause is that motorists don’t adjust their speed or maintain distance from other vehicles to suit the weather.

So what is the best, medal worthy driving behavior during rains?

Before you leave

Check your tires

Are your tires rain-worthy? Tires with good tread allow water to pass through the grooves without losing their grip on the road. If your tires are bald you do not have the same protection. At Carlease, regular maintenance and checks ensure that our customers get rain-safe cars. If your tires do not have enough tread, they may aquaplane and cause you to skid. It is especially important that you check the tread on your tires when doing your final vehicle inspection during the rental process – this is the right time at which to raise any issues.

Check your wipers

Are your wipers in good condition? It’s a good idea to check your wipers every now and then through the year by switching them on. Wipers in good condition will clean your windshield leaving no residue in their trail. They will also turn fully and the blades will not hang loose. At Carlease, the maintenance check takes care of this but again, this is something you should check for yourself before checking out your car and every once in a while.

On the road

Slow Down

Slow down and maintain a safe distance. It’s not you, it’s the road. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) warns that because rainfall is an infrequent phenomenon, the surface of the road may become slippery as oil and dirt are washed to the surface. Skidding is a possibility. Keep to the posted speed limit – both minimum and maximum. RTA recommends less than 80 kph to avoid aquaplaning. More about that below.

Puddles = Speed Breakers

Treat puddles like speed breakers. A sudden spray of water whooshing from your tires is not the friendliest thing to do to a pedestrian. Additionally, the water jetting on the windows can startle other drivers, causing momentary loss of visibility.

There are other, more selfish, reasons for treading carefully over those “water ponds”, as RTA like to call them. The shower hitting the right spot on the engine could cause it to stall or make your brakes less effective. Additionally, there may be a large pothole that could hit your suspension or flatten a tire. Most importantly, if your car has an air intake on the bottom of the car, speeding through a water puddle may cause the water to get in to the engine, causing massive damage that is never covered by an insurance company. This is especially true for German cars (and yes, we’ve dealt with this issue many many times)

Avoid underpasses and underground parking

The one-point solution for Carlease customers is to call our 24-hour hotline.

Heavier rain in the UAE has a habit of going from a cooling shower to a deluge within a very short period of time. To avoid damaging your car, or returning to your car from a quick meeting only to find it floating around like a boat, avoid parking your car in underground parking garages during heavy rains. Similarly, avoid parking next to highway overpasses or in underpasses: low-lying areas where flood water may accumulate (again, we’ve seen this much more than we’d like to).

Turn on the lights, please

Turn on your headlights. But please, NOT your hazard lights. According to Article 63, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995, you must use lights during the day when visibility is poor.

If the rain is very heavy, pull over on the side of the road and wait for it to ease off. Remember, you’re in a desert and you can always afford to wait for a heavy downpour to stop.

Aquaplaning

The RTA helpfully tells you how to guard against aquaplaning, which occurs when you go too fast over too much water on the road, causing loss of control when the vehicle skis over the surface of the water. You will know that you’re aquaplaning if you feel as though the steering is non-responsive and your vehicle is weaving at the back. This can be seriously exacerbated by balding tires.

Speed, tire pressure, tire state, and depth of water combine to cause aquaplaning. Driving at less than 80 kph is the safest over water. Follow the tracks of the vehicle in front of you, keeping a safe distance of at least four seconds. The middle lane is usually the best place to be, because water will gather on the edges of the road.

If you do find your vehicle aquaplaning,

• Switch on your hazard lights.
• Don’t brake or accelerate and keep a firm grip on the steering.
• Gradually reduce your speed by releasing the accelerator.
• Once you feel like you’re back in control, either brake or accelerate, but gently.
• Keep an eye open for vehicles that may get too close.

Road safety requires everyone to be on their best behavior. Go ahead and share these tips to make UAE roads safer!

One of the hardest things to do is drive in adverse weather conditions and the rainy weather makes it incredibly difficult for the tires to grip the road. Therefore, it is important that young drivers today learn how to drive in the rain, because according to the statistics released by the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration showcase that there are 6,400,000 automobile accidents that occur in the United States on average and 24% of these crashes which amount to 1,536,000 road accidents caused by bad weather conditions. The resulting injuries and deaths from these accidents equate to 673,000 injuries and 7,400 deaths annually. Furthermore, the vast majority of these accidents occurred when there was heavy rainfall and driving conditions were less than suitable.

Keep Both Your Hands Firmly on the Steering Wheel

People today have gotten into bad habits while driving, some talk on the phone, others eat; get distracted by the radio and even texting! Driving while keeping one hand off the steering wheel has become normal for drivers today, this certainly hasn’t helped them avoid getting into accidents. You should keep your focus and pay even more attention when it is raining, which is why we advise you to keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel at all times when driving in the rain, since that lessons the chances of your car spinning out of control.

Keep Your Headlights Switched On At All Times!

When you are driving in the rain, your vision may be impaired slightly, particularly if it raining quite profusely. This can cause to not see other cars on the road that are driving near or beside you. This is why it is a wise choice to keep your headlights switched on at all times, since it helps in improving your visibility and helping you lessen the chances of creating or getting into an accident.

Keep Your Distance from the Car In Front!

When driving in the rain, you should maintain as much distance as you can from the car in front of you, since you can never take the chance of what might happen should the car in front suddenly brake or lose control in the rain. As taught in most driving safety courses, The road conditions are not perfect and a car normally skids when the brakes are applied on a wet surface, so leave room for some error.

Driving in the rain is definitely not easy but the above mentioned tips can help you avoid getting into an unnecessary accident that may cost you heavily.

Driving is a fairly complicated task in every terrain. You are using more than one body part simultaneously and the way one is being used is directly dependent on the other. Your eyes are the primary guiding force that supervises the movement of your car. Even though it sounds simple and implied, there is a lot more to this story.

It is your field of vision that plays an important role in preventing accidents and helping you make decisions in a timely fashion. However, speeds can reduce your field of vision significantly thereby increasing the chance of accidents. The night time case is even more dangerous than the day time. To find out more about this phenomenon, read through here carefully and make your driving decisions wisely.

So What Do You Mean By the Field of Vision?

The field of vision signifies your ability to look into your periphery without moving your head. When you are standing stationary, you experience the highest field of vision in the horizontal pane as well as in the vertical. Roughly, it is estimated that your horizontal vision spans over 180В° and 130В° in the vertical axis along your line of sight. So you can look straight ahead and still be able to register the road, the sidewalks, and everything that exists within this scope.

How Does Speed Influence Your Field of Vision?

Your field of vision is the maximum when you are standing stationary. However, the moment you begin to move – for instance, you are walking or travelling in a car – your field of vision is reduced. The higher the speed, the higher the chance for Traffic collision. This is because your eyes are exclusively focusing along the line of sight, throwing the surroundings to a certain disregard.

The light rays no longer fall on your eyes in a perpendicular fashion. They tend to bend slightly along the edges thereby limiting your vision. Your eyes can naturally process the perpendicularly incident light rays most effectively. At a speed of about 100km/hour, your field of vision can be reduced to about 40В° in either axis. This is quite dangerous as this means you can only process and respond to an obstacle if you can see it at a distance of at least 20 meters!

Can Reduced Field Of Vision Due To Speed Cause Accidents?

Yes! In fact, a majority of speeding accidents are attributable with reduced field of vision in reality. Moreover, add in a few distractions and the risk is heightened by several levels. For instance, your attention on the road tends to be even lesser when you are talking on the phone, adjusting the stereo or talking to the fellow passengers in your car. While driving at night, the absence of day light poses a major challenge which tends to get worsened by speeding.

So if you are learning to drive or you are simply looking for ways to enhance the safety of your family while on the road, the best way to go about this problem is to keep the speed under control. Better vision automatically translates into a better and more responsible driving style.

26 September 2019

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Driving in heavy rain and wet conditions can be both stressful and dangerous.

As well as the constant spray from other cars, reduced visibility and longer stopping distances, there’s also the risk of encountering deep puddles or even flooded roads.

If you have no choice but to get behind the wheel in wet weather, you should make sure you’re as prepared as possible.

Before setting out

Allow plenty of time for your journey to ensure that both you and your car are ready for the conditions ahead:

• Plan your route. Where possible, try and stick to main roads as they’re less likely to get flooded.
• Check that your windscreen wipers and lights are working properly, your tyres are in good condition, and that you have enough fuel – especially as the bad conditions could make your journey longer.
• If needed, remind yourself how to use your air conditioning and heater, so you can demist your car’s interior without getting distracted while driving.
• Ensure your mobile phone is charged in case you break down or get stuck.

On the road

In wet conditions, you need to drive more carefully:

• Reduce your speed, especially if there’s standing water on the road, as you could risk aquaplaning (see below).
• Leave more space than usual between your vehicle and the one in front, as in wet weather stopping distances double to four seconds. Keeping your distance from other vehicles also helps to minimise the spray hitting your windscreen and obscuring your vision.
• Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you more easily. However, you shouldn’t use your fog lights – road safety organisations warn they can mask your brake lights and dazzle other drivers.
• If you can, avoid splashing pedestrians and cyclists. It’s bad enough that they’re dealing with heavy rain, and you can also get landed with a fine.

If the road is flooded

If the heavy rain is causing water to build up on the roads ahead, then drive with caution. Importantly:

• If a road is flooded, and you can’t tell how deep the water is, then don’t drive on it.
• Never attempt to drive through fast-flowing water.
• Don’t stop in standing water: if you think it’s shallow enough to drive through, first wait for any vehicles coming the other way to pass.

If the water appears to be too deep – or you can’t know for sure – then find an alternative route. As well as potentially damaging your car, many vehicles require only two feet of water to float, according to road safety charity Brake.

If the water is passable, then keep your vehicle in a low gear and engine revs up as you drive through it. Be careful to avoid any submerged objects, like branches, that could damage your car.

Once you’ve driven through the water, and are back onto a flat section of road, then press your brakes gently to test them. This will also help them to dry out.

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When the weather turns from sunny and dry to rainy and wet, drivers need to remember that driving in wet road conditions require changing your driving techniques to stay safe.

Here are some tips for driving in wet road conditions so you get where you need to go and don’t end up in a ditch or worse.

• Turn on your windshield wipers
  Even if its just a little drizzle, it’s important that you can see clearly. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is at least half-full. Change those windshield wipers at least once a year or more if they begin to leave streaks on the windshield.
• Turn on your headlights
  This is as much so that other drivers can see you as for you to be able to see the road if it starts raining hard.
• SLOW DOWN!
  Wet roads reduce your tires’ ability to grip the road. Slowing down reduces the chance of your skidding out into the car in front or beside you. Even a small amount of water on the road can mix with dirt and road grease to make the surface slick and hazardous. Driving too fast on wet roads can lead to hydroplaning – when tires float on a thin layer of water. When this happens, you have nearly no control over steering or braking.
  Here’s more on how to avoid hydroplaning on wet roads.
• Stay focused – Pay Attention!
  While it’s always important to pay attention when you’re driving, it’s especially important during rainy conditions. Put down your phone and turn off the radio. Keep your eyes on the road at all times. Don’t eat, smoke, read, put on makeup, etc. Pay attention to what other drivers and pedestrians around you.
• Drive with both hands on the steering wheel
  Keep your hands at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock position on the steering wheel. This gives you maximum control is you have to turn, swerve or react to another driver.
• Stay five seconds behind the car in front of you
  You should always leave a gap between you and the car in front of you. During wet conditions, this space should increase. Make note of when the car in front of you passes a landmark – like a street sign – and count how many seconds it takes before your car reaches that same point. This space ensures that you can stop quickly or avoid the driver in front of you if you have to make a sudden turn.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes
  Hitting the brakes too hard can cause your car to hydroplane, lose traction and spin out-of-control. Slow down gradually, if possible. Ease off the accelerator or downshift if you have a manual transmission.
• Take turns/change lanes slowly
  Turning too fast on a wet road can cause your tires to lose their grip and spin out of control. When you have a turn coming up, slow down, use your turn sign and turn carefully.
• Don’t use cruise control
  During wet conditions, the cruise control maintains a constant speed for the car or truck. Without cruise control, you will ease on and off the accelerator, which helps the tires maintain contact with the road.
• Pull off the road if it gets to be too much
  Even the most experienced drivers don’t like to drive in heavy, pouring rain. If you can’t focus on driving or you’re getting stressed out, pull off at an exit or a safe place on the road. Turn on your signal, check your mirrors and pull over as far as you can safely. Turn on your four-way emergency lights and let the rain pass.
• DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH DEEP OR MOVINGWATER!
  The better advice is DON’T drive through any standing water on roads or highways. Your car could stall or lose the ability to brake, damage the car and its electrical components or even be swept away in moving stormwater. Remember: Turn around – Don’t drown!

Know what to do if you start to skid or hydroplane

• Be prepared to react quickly if your car begins to hydroplane
  Your steering may feel “squishy” and the back end of your car may begin to drift to one side. Stay calm. Avoid turning the steering wheel. Ease your foot off the accelerator and apply slow, gentle pressure to the brakes.
• Know how to react to a skid
  The key to getting out a skid is to remain calm, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid. Avoid braking and NEVER slam on the brakes. To prevent skidding, always brake before entering a turn or curve and then, when you’ve slowed down, take your foot off the brake before the turn.

Before you start driving in rain, ice or snow

Remember that not everyone is able to drive in adverse conditions. If you’re not comfortable driving in rain, ice or snow, consider taking a taxi, public transportation, Uber or Lyft. Or postpone the trip. There’s no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in hazardous conditions isn’t really necessary.

Every month, you should make sure your car’s equipment is in good working order. Check your headlights, tail lights and windshield wipers to make sure they’ll work efficiently. Top off you windshield wiper fluid. Check your tired to make sure they have plenty of tread to grip the road. Worn or balding tires can reduce traction and cause the tires to lose their grip on the road, throwing the car into a skid or worse.

Avoid flooded roads and if the rain gets too heavy, pull over

• 09:44, 1 OCT 2019
• Updated 09:52, 1 OCT 2019

Drivers are being urged to take care on the roads if they get caught in a sudden burst of rain while on the roads this week.

Torrential rain is forecast across much of the UK on Tuesday and there will be more downpours when ex tropical storm Lorenzo makes landfall later in the week.

The motoring experts at LeaseVan.co.uk have put together their nine top tips for driving in wet conditions during an autumn downpour.

They suggest slowing down on slippery roads and making sure there is adequate stopping distance to avoid unnecessary incidents.

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Other advice includes making sure tyres have sufficient grip, pulling over and stopping in a safe place if the downpours are particularly heavy and driving with dipped headlights on.

The experts also recommend being mindful of other road users – motorists could be subject to a fine of up to £1000 if they splash a pedestrian.

Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Drivers always need to be cautious of changing weather conditions throughout the year but during autumn, surprising showers can pose a big risk.

“If drivers get caught out, top priority is to slow down, leave plenty of stopping room and make sure the car windscreen is kept mist free to help with visibility.

“Visibility can be quickly reduced during a sudden downpour and if there’s somewhere safe to pullover and wait out the shower, then it’s often worth doing. Wipers can struggle to keep up with heavy rain.

“Drivers also need to be mindful of other road users, the risks caused by flooded routes and excess surface water.”

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Here are LeaseVan.co.uk ’s tips for driving in the rain.

1. Vehicle maintenance

Check your tyres and make sure they’re properly inflated and have good tread to grip on slippery road surfaces.

2. Stopping distance

It takes longer to stop when the roads are wet and slippery. Allow at least double the usual separation distance between you and the car in front.

3. Slow down

Keep your speed down when driving in showers. Wipers struggle to keep up in a heavy downpour so your visibility will be reduced. Drive slower and you’ll have more time to react to hazards.

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4. Put your lights on

Use dipped headlights so other road users can see you.

5. Stop

If the shower is really heavy and visibility is poor, pull over somewhere safe and wait out the rain.

6. Flooded roads

If the rain is particularly heavy, you may find yourself on flooded roads. If it looks too deep stop, turn round in a safe place and find an alternative route.

7. Aquaplaning

This happens when your tyres lose traction from the road. Roads with lots of surface water pose the biggest risk. Reducing your speed will help.

8. Pedestrians and cyclists

Be mindful of other people on the road, particularly cyclists and pedestrians. If you splash a pedestrian, you could face a fine of anything from £100 to £5,000.

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9. Steamed up car

Make sure any heat is going straight on to your windscreen to stop it getting misted up and to keep visibility good.