Driving Safely in the Rain: 4 Useful Tips
February 28, 2025
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Driving in wet conditions can be dangerous if you’re not prepared, and accidents due to bad weather conditions are more common than you might think. After all, you’re dealing with a whole host of new problems; reduced visibility, slippery roads, and unpredictable vehicle control to name a few. However, by taking the right precautions and following safety guidelines, you can minimise these risks and drive safely even in heavy rain. In this guide, we’ll provide essential driving in the rain safety tips to help you stay in control and avoid accidents.
Driving in the rain presents unique challenges, increasing the risk of road accidents due to reduced visibility, slippery roads, and unpredictable vehicle control. Many accidents occur because drivers underestimate how much wet conditions affect their ability to brake and steer. Hydroplaning, sudden braking, and poor vehicle maintenance are common factors contributing to accidents in wet weather.
Your windshield wipers play a key role in maintaining visibility during heavy rain, so ensure they’re in good condition, and free from cracks or wear. If they leave streaks or fail to clear the water effectively, replace them immediately.
Tyres with low tread depth lose their grip on wet surfaces, making it easier to skid. Check your tyre tread depth regularly and ensure it meets the legal requirement of at least 1.6mm. Proper tyre pressure also helps maintain traction, so inspect it before setting off in rainy weather.
Visibility is key to safe driving in the rain. Ensure your headlights and brake lights are functioning properly so other drivers can see you clearly. Using dipped headlights during heavy rain improves visibility and makes your vehicle noticeable to others.
Condensation on your windows can significantly reduce visibility. Use your car’s defogger or air conditioning to keep windows clear. A simple trick is to keep a microfibre cloth handy to wipe any sudden fogging.
Wet roads reduce tyre traction, increasing the stopping distance. Reduce your speed and maintain a safe following distance of at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front. This gives you more time to react in case of sudden stops.
While driving in the rain, use your headlights—even during the day—to improve visibility. Avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off raindrops and reduce visibility. Rear fog lights should only be used in extremely poor visibility to prevent dazzling other drivers.
Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your tyres and the road, causing a loss of traction. If you feel your vehicle hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go—never make sudden movements.
Take turns slowly and avoid abrupt movements to prevent skidding. Roads are particularly slippery at the start of rainfall as oils and debris mix with water. Be extra cautious when approaching bends and intersections.
Hard braking on wet roads can cause your tyres to lock up and lead to skidding. Instead, apply the brakes gently and in a controlled manner to maintain stability.
Avoid using cruise control in rainy conditions. It reduces your ability to react quickly to sudden changes in road grip and can increase the risk of hydroplaning.
Speeding through puddles can cause water to enter your engine, potentially leading to mechanical failure. Additionally, splashing water onto pedestrians or other vehicles is both dangerous and inconsiderate.
If your car begins to skid, remain calm and avoid sudden braking. Instead, steer gently in the direction you want to go and ease off the accelerator.
If visibility drops significantly, reduce your speed and turn on your dipped headlights. If necessary, pull over safely and wait for conditions to improve.
Avoid driving through deep water, as it can damage your vehicle’s engine. If you must cross a flooded area, drive slowly and steadily to prevent water from entering your exhaust. If the water level is too high, turn back and find an alternative route.
There’s no two ways about it - driving in the rain requires extra caution and proper vehicle preparation. By following these driving in the rain safety tips, you can reduce your risk of accidents and ensure a safer journey. Always remember to adjust your speed, maintain a safe distance, and keep your vehicle in top condition. And if you’ve been involved in a road accident due to wet conditions, you may be eligible to make a claim. Read more about how you can seek compensation with the help of our team at RTA Claims.
