Whether you’ll be heading out for your daily commute or a full-blown road trip, it’s important to get prepared for spring driving conditions. Rainy weather can make driving challenging, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. By understanding the risks and taking a few precautionary steps, you can stay safe behind the wheel.
In this blog, we’ll share practical tips for staying safe in the rain. Plus, you’ll learn how a defensive driving course can help you improve your road safety skills and maybe even lower your expenses.
Rain poses several driver safety hazards that increase your chances of getting in a crash. Think about things like: reduced traction, longer stopping distances, and impaired visibility.
Understanding why rainy roads are dangerous can help you take the right precautions. These are a few of the most common issues:
When water accumulates on the road, it creates a thin layer of liquid between your tires and the pavement. This can lead to loss of traction and even hydroplaning—a dangerous condition where your tires lose contact with the road completely, making it difficult to steer or brake.
To keep your traction and avoid hydroplaning, make sure your tires are in good condition, slow down, and drive cautiously.
Wet roads also make it harder to stop quickly. The wet pavement increases stopping distances, which means you need to keep more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Try to keep at least 3-5 seconds between you and the car in front of you.
Rainfall can also be challenging because it reduces your visibility on the road, especially if it's coming down heavily. Your windshield wipers help, but they can only do so much.
When driving in rain, it’s important to adjust your speed according to how well you can see out in front of you. Keep at least 3-5 seconds between you and the car in front of you. If the rain is particularly heavy, you may need to pull over until conditions improve.
Preparation is key when it comes to driving safely in the rain. Taking a few minutes before you head out can make a huge difference in your ability to navigate wet roads. Here are a few things to do before you head out in your car:
Before hitting the road, check your tire tread depth and ensure they are properly inflated.
Tires should have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread depth—use the penny test by inserting a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of his head, it's time for new tires.
Proper inflation also helps prevent hydroplaning and improves traction. Check your owner’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door for the recommended pounds per square inch (PSI).
Worn-out wipers can make it hard to see through rain, putting yourself and others at risk. Check for streaking, skipping, or squeaking when the wipers run. These are all signs that it's time to replace them. Most wiper blades should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. While you’re at it, make sure your windshield washer fluid reservoir is filled with rain-resistant washer fluid for better visibility.
Visibility is key in rainy weather. Check that your headlights and taillights are fully operational and free of dirt or fogging. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can remove grime that dims their brightness. If your headlights look cloudy, consider using a headlight restoration kit to improve clarity and effectiveness.
Once you’re on the road, it’s essential you adjust your driving habits to suit the current conditions. Here are some key tips for staying safe when driving in the rain:
One of the most important things you can do in rainy conditions is to slow down. Wet roads increase stopping distances, so it’s crucial you give yourself more time to react. Aim to increase your following distance to allow for the added space needed to stop safely. In good weather, you want to follow the car in front of you by 2-3 seconds, in wet weather increase your following distance to 3-5 seconds.
Braking suddenly or making sharp turns can cause your tires to lose traction on wet roads, leading to hydroplaning. Drive smoothly and avoid making quick movements with the steering wheel. If you need to slow down, apply the brakes gently and gradually.
Headlights are essential for visibility, but using high beams in the rain can actually make things worse. The rain reflects light back at you, causing glare and reducing visibility. Stick to low beams to improve your ability to see the road ahead and to avoid blinding other drivers.
If you start to hydroplane, stay calm and follow these steps:
Remember, the best way to avoid hydroplaning is to reduce speed and avoid sharp turns.
In the event that things go wrong and you find yourself in an emergency situation, knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
If you begin to skid on a wet road, don’t panic. Instead:
If visibility becomes too low:
As you prepare for spring driving, it’s a good time to refresh your knowledge of safe driving techniques. Taking a defensive driving course can help you become more aware of road conditions, improve your reaction times, and learn valuable skills for handling difficult driving situations, including driving in heavy rain.
Ready to enhance your driving safety? Consider taking a defensive driving course today. You’ll be better prepared for whatever the weather brings.