Driving in the Rain: Safety Tips & Precautions

Driving in the rain is an experience many people enjoy. But still, it is risky and challenging even for experienced drivers. There are potential risks such as skidding, poor visibility, hydroplaning and vehicle malfunctioning. Hence, one must be vigilant and understand the consequences while driving in the rain.

Here are some handy tips and safety precautions for driving safely in the rain. People driving since ages as well as the new ones, both can take the help of this guide.

Understanding the Risks of Rainy Driving

Around 1 million vehicle crashes occur every year due to weather, out of which 50% are due to driving in the rain.

Before going ahead with the tips, we must know how dangerous it is to drive cars in the rain.
Below are some main factors that can lead to more risk:

Poor visibility: During heavy rain, there is poor visibility on the road. This makes it tough for the drivers to get a proper view of the road. They are unable to see other vehicles or roadblocks. Also, wet roads impair visibility due to glare coming from the headlights.

Skidding or Hydroplaning: Rainwater reduces the traction of tires as it creates slippery surfaces while mixing with the oil or dirt on the road. This can cause skidding or hydroplaning. In such cases, you are unable to control the vehicle and it may lead to major accidents.

Unable to apply brakes on time: Chances of collision increases while driving on the wet road. Such roads increase the distance required to stop vehicles on time or apply a sudden break.

High chances of aquaplaning: Aquaplaning occurs when you are driving a vehicle at higher speed in a heavy rain.

Failure of vehicle parts: Due to rain and moisture, the components such as brakes or wipers start malfunctioning. It may cause more trouble for one to drive cars in the rain.

Wrong predictions: Driving is more about right predictions. But it may reduce while driving in rain due to poor visibility, stress or increased braking distances. The driver may behave erratically leading to more accidents.

Flooding: There are chances of flooding in heavy rain. In such situations it is challenging for drivers to judge the depth of water. Also, in flooded areas, stranding or stalling of vehicles is common. It can affect the vehicle’s engine and you may get stuck.

Wind: Heavy rains lead to crosswind, that makes the vehicle unstable. Hence, drivers are unable to control the vehicle, further causing accidents.

Safe Driving Practices in the Rain

One must follow safe driving practices for a smooth journey. Here are the major steps which you must take.

1. Keep your vehicle well maintained

There are less chances of mishap during the rain if you keep your vehicle in perfect condition. Nobody would like to get stuck in the middle of the road during heavy rain. Thus, make sure the tires, brakes and other components of your vehicle are working properly.

2. Drive Slow

You need to take care of your speed while driving in the rain. If you are planning to drive fast, this is not the right time and weather. Roads are slippery and tires of the vehicle may lose traction. Thus, to maintain driving speed in the rain is crucial. You must avoid over speeding and overtaking.

3. Do not slam on the brakes

You may slide forward if you slam on the brakes. It will become tough for you to control the vehicle. Instead, ease off the accelerator to slow down the vehicle and use downshifting. Also, avoid hitting the brakes with too much force.

4. Keep the lights on

Whether it is day or night, while driving during the rain, you must keep the lights on. It will help in better visibility and others can also see your vehicle clearly. They will also keep a safe distance.In many states, it is illegal to drive without lights on during rains. But avoid flashing a high beam onto a vehicle coming from the front. Too much light can make the driver blind and lead to accidents.

5. Check the functioning of Windshield Wipers

It is necessary to use windshield wipers while you are driving in the rain. It will give you proper visibility. But before that check ensure that the windshield wipers of your vehicle are in proper condition. In below cases, you may have to replace the wipers:

Leave streaks even after use
Consists of bent frames or damage in rubber
Create a chattering sound while sliding
Unable to clean certain areas of the window

6. Keep a distance while driving

In normal weather, it is good to keep a car’s distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. But what if you are driving in the rain? In such situations, you need to give your vehicle some time to react and slow down or stop. Tires can skid on wet roads. Thus, you should at least keep a space of 2 vehicles between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will give you enough time to stop.

7. Avoid hydroplaning

When a vehicle hits a patch of water, it loses traction. This leads to hydroplaning. During rain, water builds up in front of the tires. The weight of the vehicle is not enough to push it away. Thus, it makes the vehicle ride on top of the water and your vehicle slides before gaining traction.

You can follow below defensive strategies to prevent hydroplaning.

Have control on the speed of the vehicle, especially during curves or on hilly areas.
Steer and give a light brake.
Keep tires inflated
Keep calm in case it is hydroplaning, ease off the gas and prevent applying sudden brake

Other tips to follow while driving in the rain

Drive while keeping both the hands on the steering wheel
Eliminate distractions like using cellphones, talking to people or listening music
Remain cautious when driving near bikes and trucks.
Maintain a safe speed
Observe traffic rules
Avoid large trucks and buses
Keep check on blind spots
Turn on the defroster to prevent windshield fogging
Avoid puddles and flooded roads or else the engine of your vehicle may fail
Preventing driving in the outside lanes as water is much deeper there.
Follow the track and drive according to the vehicle ahead of you
Keep check on the brake lights ahead.
It is better to stop or drive to a safe place, if it is raining heavily.
Carry an emergency kit

The Importance of Defensive Driving

In the rainy weather, defensive driving is of utmost importance. Wet and slippery roads often lead to collisions as there is friction between the tire and the road surface. You can reduce the risks of accidents and save costs with safe driving practices in the rain. There are GPS systems which can guide you properly about the curves beforehand. Hence, you can change the speed of the vehicle accordingly. It can guide you about the routes to avoid during the downpour. Above all do not panic and act with ease.

Utilizing Weather Updates and Apps

It is important to keep a tab on the weather forecast before driving in rain. One cannot predict rain during the monsoon season. You never know when it may start pouring. Thus, it is always good to use real-time navigation apps. They will not only help to forecast weather in the current location, but also guide you about your destination. If the prediction is of heavy rain, adjust your plan accordingly. It is always good to prevent getting stuck in a dangerous situation if you are updated with the change in weather. You can prevent being caught in a potentially dangerous situation if you know about projected weather forecasts

Conclusion

There are higher chances of vehicle breakdown during rainy weather. Hence, while driving in the rain you must pay more attention and stay focused. It is essential to check the weather and then plan the drive. Also, it is important to maintain a safe distance and keep check on the speed of the vehicle. Before driving in the rain, ensure that brakes and tires of your vehicle are proper. Keeping such precautions along with defensive driving can prevent any accidents.

Have a smooth getaway during rainy weather with the above guidelines. Drive with caution and keep your loved ones safe.

Read Also: