There’s something aesthetic about the sound of rain while driving, and it also feels like a scene from a rom-com movie, right? The U.S. Department of Transportation says that 75% of crashes are weather-related, and at least 47% happen during rainy weather. Thousands of people die, and many get injured each year because of that. That’s why all drivers must know how to drive safely in the rain.
Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and hydroplaning risks can make driving on rainy days hazardous. But how to drive safely in the rain? After reading this article, you will learn some tricks and drive safely in the rain.
Understanding the Hazards of Heavy Rain
Heavy rain creates multiple hazards that make driving significantly more dangerous. You should understand these risks before a journey on a rainy day. This understanding will help you prevent accidents and ensure a safer journey.
Reduced Visibility
One of the challenges drivers face during heavy rain is reduced visibility. Rainwater distorts the view through your windshield and causes glare from other cars’ headlights. This situation makes it harder to see the road ahead. This lack of visibility can lead to missed turns, unseen hazards, and delayed reactions.
Slippery Roads & Hydroplaning Risks
As rainwater mixes with oil, dirt, and debris on the road, it creates a slick film. When your car rides up on this watery layer instead of the pavement, it’s called hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is a dangerous moment where you lose the ability to steer. That is why hydroplaning can lead to fatal accidents.
Increased Stopping Distance
Wet roads also require more time and space to bring your vehicle to a full stop. When you brake on a dry road, the tires can grip. However, in the rain, your tires lose some traction.
That is why you should keep enough space between your car and the car ahead. Otherwise, rear-end collisions may occur.
Unexpected Hazards
Heavy rain can conceal dangerous conditions like potholes, puddles, or debris, which can suddenly appear in your path. Staying alert and reducing speed will help you navigate these unexpected obstacles safely.
Pre-Driving Checklist for Rainy Day Safety
Do you need to hit the road despite heavy pouring? Well, before you do, make sure to perform a pre-driving checklist to ensure your vehicle is ready to handle wet conditions.
1. Check Windshield Wipers
Start by inspecting your wipers. Replace them if they leave streaks or are over six months old, as worn wipers impair visibility.
2. Tire Condition
Tires are important items for staying safe during heavy rainfall and slippery roads. The tread depth should be at least 5/32 inches. However, 6/32 inches or deeper tread is recommended for optimal grip in the rainy season.
To check, insert a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, you should buy new tires. Also, ensure the tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, as underinflated tires lose traction more easily on wet roads.
3. Lights Check
Clean your headlights, taillights, and indicators before getting out. Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to remove dirt and fog that can dull the light. Regular cleaning enhances visibility and ensures other drivers can see you, reducing the risk of accidents.
4. Fluid and Oil Levels
Lastly, ensure your windshield wiper fluid is topped off, and check your brake fluid levels to ensure responsive braking in wet conditions. Also, it is important to check your vehicle’s oil level. Keep enough of it for any emergency.
"CHECK TIRES AND BRAKES REGULARLY."
How to Drive Safely in The Rain? - 8 Driving Techniques to Follow
Despite all the preparations, you need to maintain a few more things when you are finally out and driving.
1. Reduce Speed
The first rule is to slow down because going fast increases the risk of hydroplaning. Driving at a reduced speed gives you more time to react to sudden stops, turns, or obstacles. The speed should be reduced by at least a third when you turn.
2. Increase Following or Stopping Distance
In rain, increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. Rainy roads double the stopping distance, so maintaining a five to six-second gap can help avoid rear-end collisions.
3. Use Headlights and Indicators
Always turn on your low-beam headlights during rain, even during the day. This improves your visibility and ensures other drivers can see you. Moreover, follow the traffic signals and use indicators properly before turning or switching lanes.
4. Avoid Sudden Movements
Sudden steering, acceleration, or braking can cause your vehicle to lose control. Make gentle, deliberate movements to maintain stability, especially around curves and changing lanes.
5. Avoid Cruise Control
Using cruise control in heavy rain is risky. It may cause your vehicle to accelerate during hydroplaning, making it harder to regain control. Always control your car by managing the speed manually so you can react instantly.
6. Avoid Hitting the Brake
It is a mistake to slam the brake when driving in the rain. Instead of helping, it will only move your vehicle forward, and you will lose control.
7. Keep Both Hands on the Steering Wheel
Driving on rainy days needs more manual control than automatic. You should keep both your hands in the 9-3 position.
8. Avoid Distractions
Getting distracted is the last thing you need when driving, especially in heavy rain. Avoid distractions like phone usage or loud music, focusing fully on the road and the unpredictable conditions around you.
Tips for Dealing with Hydroplaning
When your car rides up on this watery layer instead of the pavement, it’s called hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is a dangerous moment where you lose the ability to steer. Knowing how to handle hydroplaning can prevent accidents.
Here’s what to do if you hydroplane:
- Don’t Panic: Stay calm and avoid sudden reactions that make the situation worse.
- Ease Off the Accelerator: Slowly remove your foot from the gas pedal. Sudden braking or acceleration can make the car skid further.
- Avoid Hard Braking: If your car starts to hydroplane, gently pump the brakes if you need to slow down. If you have anti-lock brakes, you should apply steady pressure.
- Steer Straight: Keep the steering wheel straight and avoid sudden turns. Turning the wheel while hydroplaning can cause you to lose even more control.
- Wait for Traction to Return: As the tires regain contact with the road, gently steer in the direction you want to go.
To prevent hydroplaning:
- Slow Down in the Rain: You should drive slowly to maintain traction.
- Avoid Puddles: Drive around large puddles or areas where water accumulates.
- Maintain Your Tires: You should inflate your tires properly. They should have enough tread to grip wet roads.
Handling Emergency Situations
No matter how many precautionary steps you follow and what safety measures you take, emergencies can come unexpectedly. You will easily handle such situations if you remember the following things:
Driving Through Flooded Roads
If unsure of the water depth, avoid driving through because even a small amount of water can cause a loss of control. If you must go through, maintain a slow and steady speed, keeping your foot on the gas to avoid stalling. Avoid water that reaches the bottom of the car door.
Emergency Stops in Rain
When you are not getting visibility or can’t see the road below because of water, activate your hazard lights and go to a safe location away from traffic to pull over. Position your vehicle in such a way that it is visible to other drivers.
What to Do in Case of Skidding
Skidding during rainfall is scary. But if it happens, do your best to stay calm. Take your foot off the accelerator and slowly drive in the direction you want to move. Make sure to hit the brake before turning.
Best Practices for Specific Situations
You must make a habit of regular practices that will keep your vehicle running smoothly during such weather conditions.
Driving at Night in Heavy Rain
Visibility drops even more at night, especially with glare from other vehicles’ lights. Use your low-beam headlights to see better without reflecting the light into your eyes. Also, reduce your speed to adjust with limited visibility, and focus on road markings to help maintain your lane. Avoid staring directly at oncoming headlights to prevent temporary blindness from glare.
Driving on Highways vs. City Roads in Rain
Reduce your speed when driving on highways. Also, avoid sudden lane changes. Maintain a consistent speed to abstain from hydroplaning. Keep your distance from other cars.
On city roads, drive slowly to frequent stops and turns. Watch out for large puddles and avoid sharp braking or accelerating.
Using Defrosters & AC for Window Fogging
Fog distorts the view from windows during rainy nights. Use your car’s defroster or air conditioning to clear the windows quickly, and ensure clear visibility.
Vehicle Maintenance for Rainy Seasons
Maintain your vehicle properly to ensure safety during rainy seasons.
Regular Tire Checks
You can protect your car from hydroplaning with tires. Ensure your tire tread is at least 5/32 inches. It is optimal for wet conditions. Make sure, the tires are properly inflated because underinflated tires lose traction more easily on wet roads. When your tires are worn, you need to buy new tires. You can read the article “Follow These Major Tips to Buy Car Tire for Your Motorcar” before buy new tires.
Brake Check-Ups
Rain reduces road traction, making efficient braking even more critical. Have your brakes inspected regularly, especially before the rainy season. Change brake pads and re-fill brake fluid regularly to increase your ability to stop quickly in emergencies.
Waterproofing the Essentials
Keep a waterproof poncho, extra towels, a flashlight, etc. in your vehicle. You can use them when you step outside during a breakdown or deal with unexpected water conditions.
Mental Preparedness and Focus
Driving in heavy rain requires more than just physical readiness. It also demands mental preparedness and focus to handle unpredictable conditions.
Stay Calm
When rain intensifies, staying calm is crucial. Stress can impair your judgment and reaction time, leading to poor decisions. Mentally prepare yourself by acknowledging that it will take time to reach your destination.
Remain Alert
Rainy conditions require heightened awareness. Keep your eyes on the road, continuously scanning for hazards like puddles, oncoming traffic, or pedestrians. Stay focused on your surroundings, avoiding distractions such as mobile phones or loud music, which can divert your attention.
"STAY CALM & REMAIN ALERT."
Plan Ahead
Before you start your journey, check the weather forecast and plan your route accordingly. This allows you to anticipate any hazardous areas, such as flood-prone roads, and consider alternate routes if necessary.
Expect the Unexpected
Mentally prepare for sudden changes, such as hydroplaning or debris on the road. Knowing how to react to emergencies, like hydroplaning or skidding, will help you remain composed when faced with unexpected events.
Stay Patient
Driving in the rain requires patience. Aggressive driving or hurried movements can lead to accidents. Allow extra time for every movement and turn, and don’t rush decisions. Patience ensures you remain in control, even in heavy rain.
Final Words
Driving in heavy rain requires both preparation and technique. From checking your vehicle before driving to staying calm and focused on the road, each step ensures a safer journey.
Remember to reduce speed, keep your distance, and handle emergencies like hydroplaning or skidding with care. In case of an accident, remain calm, turn on hazard lights, pull over safely, and call for assistance. With these rules, you’ll be ready to confidently tackle rainy conditions on the road.
