How to Drive Safely in Rainy Weather: Essential Precautions

Key Highlights:

• Reduced speed and increased following distance guarantee a safe trip in challenging weather.
• Simple checks around the car before setting out in the rain make a huge impact.
• Never drive with your hazards on in heavy rain, as it may confuse drivers behind you.

Preparing Before You Start the Journey

Safety in rainy weather begins even before you start the car. A few simple checks can make a big difference. Always ensure that your tyres are in good condition. Worn tyres lose grip more easily on wet roads and raise the risk of skidding. Check that the tread depth is above the legal limit and that the tyre pressure is correct.

Your wipers should also be in proper working order. Wiper blades can wear out quickly in hot or dusty conditions, so test them before driving in the rain. Clear vision is one of the most important aspects of safe driving. Make sure the washer fluid tank is not empty as well.

Headlights, tail lights and indicators all need to be checked. Rain often reduces visibility for other drivers, and hence, working lights are essential. Keeping a clean cloth or small towel is also helpful for wiping mist from the windows.

Reducing Speed on Wet Roads

One of the most important rules for driving in the rain is to slow down. Wet roads cause the tyres to lose grip on the surface, increasing the stopping distance compared to dry weather. Driving at a lower speed gives you more time to react if something unexpected happens.

It is best to avoid quick acceleration and hard braking. Smooth and steady control works better. Gentle steering, braking, and acceleration help reduce the risk of slipping.

Keeping a Safe Distance

When it rains, make sure to leave more space between your car and the vehicle ahead. A gap that feels safe in dry weather can be risky on wet roads. The usual two-second rule for everyday driving should be increased to at least four seconds in the rain. This extra distance gives you enough time to stop safely if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.

Large vehicles such as trucks and buses create heavy spray that can block your view. By maintaining a greater distance, you can avoid this and keep your windscreen clearer.

Using Lights Correctly

Lights are helpful not only at night but also in heavy rain or drizzle. Switching on your headlights makes it easier for other drivers to see your car. Always use dipped headlights instead of full beam, as full beam can reflect in rain or mist and make it harder to see.

Fog lights should be used only when visibility is very poor, as they can dazzle other drivers if kept on in clearer conditions. Rear lights are equally important because they help vehicles behind you judge how far away you are.

Avoiding Waterlogging and Puddles

Water puddles may seem harmless, but they can hide potholes, open drains or sharp objects. Driving quickly through standing water can cause your car to hydroplane, meaning the tyres lose grip on the road and slide over the water. This is very dangerous and can lead to total loss of control.

If you cannot avoid a puddle, reduce speed before reaching it and pass through slowly. Keep the steering steady and avoid sudden braking. After coming out, press the brakes lightly a few times to help them dry and return to normal.

Staying Calm while Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when the tyres fail to clear water from the road and begin to slide on a thin layer of water instead of gripping the surface. If the steering feels light and the car starts to skid, remain calm. Avoid braking sharply or making sudden turns.

Instead, ease your foot off the accelerator and hold the steering wheel straight. The car will usually regain traction after a short distance. Stay composed and wait until the tyres make firm contact with the road again.

Keeping Windows Clear

A common issue during rainy weather is mist forming on the inside of the windscreen and windows. This occurs because of the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car. To remove it, use the defogger if your vehicle is equipped with one. You can also open the windows a little to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce fogging. Keeping a clean cloth or using an anti-fog spray can also help. Clear visibility is critical, so never overlook foggy windows.

Driving at Night in the Rain

Driving at night is more challenging when it rains. The glare from streetlights, headlights and reflections on the wet road can make visibility poor. Reduce your speed more than usual and try not to look directly at approaching headlights.

Ensure your lights are clean and in good condition. Dirty or worn-out headlights scatter light, making it harder to see in the rain. Adjust your mirrors to lessen glare from vehicles coming from behind.

Braking and Cornering

Braking takes longer on wet roads, so press the brakes lightly and earlier than you would on dry roads. If your car has ABS, it will stop the wheels from locking, but it is still best to avoid braking suddenly.

Take extra care on bends and corners. Slow down before entering and steer gently. Quick or sharp turns of the steering wheel can make the car skid on wet roads.

Watching for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Rain often makes pedestrians and cyclists behave in unexpected ways. Some may rush across the road to stay dry, while others might slip on wet surfaces. Stay alert and slow down when driving near crossings, markets or residential areas. Be cautious not to splash water on people walking, as this too can lead to accidents.

Emergency Situations

If the rain gets too heavy and the road is not visible, it is best to stop in a safe place until you can see better. Never stop in the middle of the road, as this may lead to accidents. Park in a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights and wait until it is safe to move again.

If your car breaks down in heavy rain, switch on the hazard lights right away and place the warning triangle at a safe distance behind your car. Call for roadside help and stay inside the vehicle if it is secure. Never drive with your hazards on unless it’s critical, since it may confuse the traffic behind.

The Right Way is the Safe Way

Driving in the rain needs extra caution, patience and alertness. Preparing your car before the journey, slowing down, keeping a safe gap and using your lights properly can help lower the risks. Try to avoid puddles and flooded roads, stay composed if the car skids on water and keep your windows clear for good visibility.

Always remember that safety matters more than speed. A few simple steps and a calm attitude will not only keep you safe but also protect your passengers, other drivers, and people walking nearby. Rain may make driving harder, but with the right steps, you can travel safely and with confidence.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my car starts to hydroplane?
Stay calm, ease off the accelerator, and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Avoid sudden braking or turning.

2. Should I use high-beam headlights in heavy rain?
No, use low-beam headlights. High beams reflect off the rain and reduce visibility further.

3. How much distance should I keep from the car ahead in heavy rain?
Maintain at least double the normal following distance. This gives you more time to react if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.

4. How can I keep my windscreen clear during heavy rain?
Use the wipers at an appropriate speed and switch on the defogger or air conditioning to prevent mist inside the car.

5. Should I use cruise control when it is raining heavily?
No, avoid using cruise control. It reduces your control over the vehicle and increases the risk of hydroplaning.