How to Drive Safely in the Rain

Aug 2, 2015

how-to-drive-safely-in-the-rain According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, rain causes 47% of all weather-related accidents in the United States. Your safety is the result of your preparedness ahead of time and how you drive during a rain storm.

These rain-related tips will help you get to your destination safely even during wet weather.

Prepare Before the Rain

Ensuring that your vehicle is prepared before the rain begins to fall will help keep you safe on the road. Replace your windshield wipers if they create streaks on your windshield, and regularly check your tires for proper inflation and tread wear. And while making sure your headlights, taillights, and turn signals work saves you from getting pulled over, doing so also helps other drivers and pedestrians see you in the rain.

Avoid Cruise Control

Cruise control works well to maintain your speed on dry roads. On wet roads, using cruise control may lead to you losing control of your vehicle. If the tires lose contact with the road and your car hydroplanes, you need to be able to ease off the accelerator to regain traction. Cruise control does not allow you that option.

The feature can also cause a driver to become less attentive and decrease their reaction time.

Reduce Your Speed

Leave plenty of extra time for driving to your destination when the weather turns to rain. Plan on driving slower than the posted speed limit if there is water on the road. Slower speeds decrease the risk of hydroplaning by helping your tires stay in contact with the road.

Slowing down also allows you be more aware of your surroundings, and decreases your chances of hydroplaning from hard braking and/or turning.