Driving Safely in Rain: 5 Tips

Reviewed By:
Timothy Yarboro, M.D.

When rain falls, extra caution is needed to prevent a car ride from becoming a life-threatening event. Water splashing on asphalt creates a slippery film that separates tires from the road surface. This phenomenon -- known as hydroplaning -- can send your car careening into danger.

Roads are most dangerous when rain falls after a long dry spell. Engine oil, grease and other slicking agents build up on the road surface unless washed away regularly. A sudden rain after a drought activates these agents, making roads especially slick for at least 30 minutes, and sometimes for hours. Regions of the country that are especially arid may experience this cycle with every new rainfall.

Rain can also pose other driving dangers. It obscures your visibility, greatly increasing your risk for having an accident. In addition, pedestrians and other drivers may not see your vehicle as clearly.
Following are five ways to make sure the rubber meets the road, even during downpours.

Being prepared

Rain safety begins even before you pull the car out of the garage. Replacing worn tires and keeping the new tires properly inflated helps maximize your ability to stay on the road. Replace wiper blades according to the manufacturer's schedule.

Also, make sure your defroster and air-conditioning units are working so that you can defog your windows in stormy conditions.

On the road

Once the rain falls, you need to keep several things in mind. Five of the most important include:

• Slow down. This is the most important thing you can do to increase safety during rain. Traveling at reduced speeds helps you see the road better and allows you more time to navigate out of slides. Many experts recommend slowing your speed by one-third when traveling on wet pavement. Use extra caution when rounding curves.
  
  
• Turn on your lights. Headlights illuminate the darkened conditions around you and help other drivers to see you coming. Do not use your high beams; they can reflect off droplets and make it even more difficult for you to see.
  
  
• Apply the brakes carefully and allow adequate distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. Brake well ahead of your stop and with reduced force when roads are slick. Braking suddenly and locking your wheels can quickly put your car in a skid, although this is less likely in cars with anti-lock brakes. Braking gradually allows drivers behind you to notice your brake lights well ahead of your stop. This gives them more time to slow their own cars.
  
  If a skid occurs, your reaction may vary depending on the type of car you drive. Do not brake at all if your car does not have anti-lock brakes. Instead, lift your foot from the gas and let the car slow itself until you can feel the road. Then, gently apply the brakes in a pumping motion. By contrast, drivers of cars with anti-lock brakes should brake hard and steer into a skid.
  
  
• Avoid puddles. Roads usually are crowned, so they are highest in the middle. When rain falls, it tends to puddle in the slopes on either side of the pavement. Try to drive in the middle lane or middle of the road to avoid collected water. Deep puddles can cause water to splash into the engine compartment and damage electrical systems.
  
  If you do drive through a puddle, tap your brakes lightly after your wheels emerge from the water. This helps keep moisture off your brake rotors.
  
  
• Steer clear of big vehicles. Trucks, busses and other large autos have big wheels that spray water everywhere -- including onto your windshield. Try to stay away from these big rigs.

If the downpour starts to become a flood, don't attempt to drive through it. Water can be deeper than it appears and can hide damage to the road. A little preparation, extra attention and common sense can help you avoid rain-related accidents and injuries.