Driving in the rain is no fun. It also can be dangerous, especially if you’re new to driving or not used to inclement weather. Reduced visibility, slippery roads, not to mention foggy windshields and panicked pedestrians running in front of your car to shelter all have the potential to cause even experienced drivers to have an accident. If pulling over or not driving at all isn’t an option, remember these eight life-saving tips for driving in the rain.
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Turn on your headlights and windshield wipers:
As soon as it starts to rain, even lightly, turn on your headlights. Each state has its own laws regarding headlights and rainy weather, but it’s safe to assume the law in your state requires you have them on in the rain so that other drivers can see you more easily. You should turn on your windshield wipers as well. In some states, both your headlights and wipers need to be on in the event of wet weather, so check your state’s driver handbook if you’re not sure.
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Brake with less force:
Since rainy roads can be slippery, you should brake earlier than you normally do, and with less force. This will give you more stopping distance between your car and the car in front of you, and the driver behind you a clear, advance signal that you are slowing down to a halt. In a rain storm, drive a bit slower, and be sure to use your turn signals so that other drivers who are stuck in the crummy weather with you can see what you’re doing.
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Avoid huge puddles:
A lot of rain in a short amount of time will create large, deep puddles on residential roads as well as beltways. If you can’t see the bottom of such a puddle, or if the water is high enough to reach the curb, you should drive around it or take a detour. There may be a pothole below a puddle that you can’t see waiting to rip up your transmission or take out one of your tires. And water splashing up into your engine compartment can damage its electrical systems.
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Defog your windows:
Most cars have a simple windshield defrost function that will defog your front and back windshield. If the function engages your car’s air conditioning, the windows will be defogged almost instantaneously. Your car’s heating or air conditioning alone will dry the humid air inside the car and the moisture that’s accumulated on your windshields and windows. Fresh outside air from cracking the window can help, but of course if it’s raining, you’ll just end up with more moisture inside your car.
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Hydroplaning:
Driving too fast through rain mixed with oil on tires that are old or not properly inflated can cause your car to hydroplane. Hydroplaning occurs when your car’s tires are no longer gripping the road and are instead gliding on a sheet of water. If while driving in rain you start to hydroplane, do not hit the brakes or turn the steering wheel, as this will cause your car to skid. Instead, slowly release the gas pedal, and hold the steering wheel straight or whatever direction it was in when you began hydroplaning, until you feel the car slow down and the wheels regain their traction. Then brake normally if you have anti-lock brakes; otherwise pump the brakes lightly, until you come to a halt. Then remind yourself to breathe.
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Don’t use cruise control:
If you’re driving and it starts to rain, turn off the cruise control. Instead of relaxing and letting cruise control manage the speed of your car, you instead need to be alert and ready to react quickly to changing conditions and situations, with your foot on and near your gas and brake pedals. If you hydroplane, and the cruise control is activated, your car could accelerate, with no way for you to slow it down.
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Beware of engine oil and grease on the road:
It seems weather only exists in extremes these days; long stretches of drought are as common as extended periods of non-stop rain. After a dry spell, engine oil and grease will have built up on roads, creating dangerously slick conditions when mixed with rain. Eventually, the rain will wash away the oil and accumulated crud, but for the first few hours in a rainstorm, be prepared for extra slippery roads.
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Be aware of pedestrians:
If you get caught in a rainstorm while on foot, the natural reaction is to try to get to shelter as quickly as possible. While you’re trying to open a cheap umbrella or turn a plastic grocery bag into a rain hat, you may forget that drivers may have trouble seeing you in between the rain drops. During a rain storm, drivers need to be aware of distracted pedestrians, and exercise caution accordingly.
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