Wet Roads Ahead: Are You Driving the Right Way in Heavy Rain?

Heavy rain is one of the most hazardous driving conditions. In fact, 47 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur during rainfall, and the risks increase when it falls heavily, according to the US Department of Transportation. The good news: With the proper preparation and know-how, you can navigate driving in heavy rain safely. Here’s how.

Before you head out

Driving safely in a downpour starts with a safe vehicle. Check these items before getting on the road.

• Make sure your tires have good tread depth and are properly inflated. Bald or under-inflated tires significantly reduce traction on the road, which is critical when driving in heavy rain.
• Ensure your wipers, head and taillights, and turn signals are all in goodworking order. You’ll need all of these to see—and be seen—while driving.
• Plan for extra time on the road. Heavy rain often requires slower speeds, so build in those extra minutes to avoid feeling rushed.

• Check your windshield washer fluid. Rain can kick up grime and road spray, so you may need to wash your windshield more than usual.

• Clear fog from windows before driving. Use the defroster or air conditioning to improve visibility.

• Check the weather and radar. If severe storms or flash flooding are expected, delaying your trip may be the safest option.

While you’re on the road

Heavy rain creates several hazards for drivers, including slick roads, an increased risk of hydroplaning, and reduced visibility. Follow these tips to help you drive more safely in these conditions.

Navigating slick roads

Wet roads can quickly become slippery, especially when the rain first begins to fall. Dirt and oil build up on the roads during dry weather, and once that residue mixes with rain, it can make the surface especially slick. Keep these tips in mind when driving in heavy rain.

• Avoid sudden braking or sharp movements. Instead, brake earlier and apply gentle pressure. In heavy rain, it takes longer to slow down.

• Increase following distance. Leave several car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead to give yourself more time to brake on wet roads.
• Stay in control of your vehicle. Turn off cruise control in wet conditions, since it can make it harder to react quickly if your tires lose traction.
• Slow down. Reducing your speed by one-third can help maintain control. For example, if the speed limit is 30 miles per hour, consider driving closer to 20 miles per hour in heavy rain.
• Position your vehicle towards the center of the lane. Water tends to collect near the outer edges of the road, so this can help you avoid deeper puddles.
• Never drive through standing water. Deep water can stall your engine, and flooded roads may hide debris, potholes, or washed-out pavement. Turn around and find another route.
• Drive with dry footwear. Wiping the soles of your shoes on your floor mat can help improve grip on the pedals.

What to do if you start to skid

It’s called hydroplaning: when a layer of water builds up between the road and your tires, your vehicle can lose traction and begin to slide. Hydroplaning can be frightening because your ability to steer and brake may be greatly reduced. Here’s what to do if your car starts to skid.

• Ease off the accelerator. This will allow your car to slow naturally.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes. Hard-braking can lock your wheels and cause you to lose even more traction.
• Steer gently in the direction you want the car to go. Sudden steering can make the skid worse.

As your tires regain contact with the road, you’ll feel the vehicle respond normally again.

Managing reduced visibility

Whether it’s pounding rain, spray from other vehicles, or foggy windows, heavy rain can significantly limit your ability to see the road—and for other drivers to see you. These tips can help.

• Keep your headlights on. In most states, drivers are required by law—often referred to as “wipers on, lights on” laws—to turn on headlights whenever windshield wipers are in continuous use.
• Increase followingdistanceand slow down. Wet roads and limited visibility make it harder to react quickly.
• Use your defroster. Windows may fog up easily in humid conditions, so run the defroster or air conditioning to keep the glass clear.
• Give large vehicles extra space. Trucks and buses can create heavy spray that temporarily reduces visibility.

When to pull over

Sometimes the weather wins—and it’s simply too dangerous to keep driving. If rain is so heavy that you can’t clearly see the road, other cars, or maintain control of your vehicle, pull over and wait for the storm to pass.

If you do pull over, choose a safe location away from traffic, such as a rest area or parking lot, and turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers can more easily see you in the rain. If you must stop on the shoulder, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on until it’s safe to move.

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While driving in heavy rain can be challenging, preparation and cautious driving can reduce the risks. Check a trusted weather source before heading out, give yourself extra time on the road, and use these tips to help arrive safely.