Things can get tricky on the road when it’s raining. Traction and visibility can easily get compromised—two scenarios you don’t want to have anything to do with.
So here’s something to consider before anything else: Let it pass. If you can afford to reschedule a meeting or put off an errand, do so.
Otherwise, if you must be on the road while it’s raining, follow these tips to minimize the risk of an accident:
1. Make sure everything is working.
Check your lights (headlights, taillights, fog lights) as well as your windshield wipers. Make sure they will work when needed.
Equally important, check your tires. If you haven’t yet replaced your balding tires, it’s probably best to wait until the rain has stopped, as tires with worn treads can severely reduce traction on wet roads and put you in greater danger of an accident.
2. Don’t forget to turn on your windshield wipers.
People can, and do, forget to turn on their wipers, especially if it’s raining only lightly when they set out. To be safe, make sure your wipers are on even in light rain.
3. Turn on your headlights.
Even if your state is not among the 18 that require drivers to turn on their headlights while driving in the rain, we suggest you do so—even if it is only misting. No harm in making sure your visibility is not compromised and that your car is easily visible to other drivers.
4. Drive slow.
Driving fast, or too fast, is risky even in good weather. When the roads are slippery and visibility is reduced, it’s even riskier. Ideally, decrease your speed by at least a third.
5. Maintain a safe distance from the car ahead of you.
Because stopping will be more difficult when the road is wet, make sure there’s a healthy distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. A distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles should give you enough time to stop safely if you have to.
6. Go easy on the brakes.
If you need to slow down, take your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would. This gives you ample time and takes away any need to brake abruptly. Driving in the rain is one scenario where using cruise control can do more harm than good—that is, it can cause you to lose control of your car.
7. Be alert.
Being distracted behind the wheel is an even bigger no-no when you’re navigating wet roads. Be especially alert to standing water, which can cause your car to hydroplane (or aquaplane): your tires lose contact with the road surface, in an instant or for several seconds, at which time you have zero traction.
8. Take your foot off the gas when your car hydroplanes.
When your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction where the front of your car needs to go. Be sure not to make any sudden turns or slam on your brakes.
9. Watch the humility level.
With rain comes higher humidity, which will fog up your windows. Unless your car’s ventilation system includes a function that reduces humidity fog on the interior of your windows and windshield, it’s a good idea to pull over if you can no longer see clearly through your windows.
Ultimately, if you can wait the rain out, do so. This is one situation where “Better safe than sorry” is as apt as it can get. Not only does it make perfect sense as far as your personal safety is concerned, it also helps you avoid costly repair costs if you get in an accident.
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