Rainy driving can be scary, not only because it is difficult to see the roads through the windshield, but also because slippery conditions make driving much more challenging and dangerous. It’s important to understand the best way to handle driving in heavy rain before hitting the road.
Slow down – The first thing you should do when driving in heavy rain is slow your speed down. Driving too fast increases your risk of hydroplaning and skidding on water, where your tires lose their grip on the ground, and you actually end up driving on the surface of the water. Since driving fast is especially dangerous in rainy driving conditions, try to stick with lower speeds if possible and avoid driving too fast around turns or driving up and down hills.
Drive defensively – Drive defensively in heavy rain. This means driving with caution and anticipating that other drivers might not see your car on the road through the rain as well as they would if it were dry outside. Be mindful of likely puddling and flash flooding, which could potentially cause hydroplaning and steer clear of excess water when driving on wet roads.
Run your headlights – Another tip for rainy weather is driving with headlights on (even during the daytime) for better visibility. The more visible you are to other vehicles, the safer you are and the more likely you are to avoid unnecessary accidents. Drive with your low beams on instead of high beams as your high beams can actually make it harder for you to see in the rain. If your headlights are old, scratched, dull and cloudy, consider having headlight restoration performed on your vehicle. The brighter and clearer your headlights are, the safer you will be in adverse weather conditions.
Keep your distance – You should leave extra room between yourself and other cars on the road because braking distance will likely be increased due to water on the pavement. While driving through puddles that have gathered along roadsides or medians is not advisable if possible, leaving extra room between yourself and other vehicles will give you necessary room should you be forced into watery areas by traffic and struggle with control of your vehicle.
Driving in heavy rain can be challenging and dangerous. Remember these simple tips for driving in heavy rain to keep yourself and others on the road safer during bad weather.