Wet Roads = More Accidents
Wet roads contribute to nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes each year, making rain events the most hazardous weather conditions for drivers according to AAA Exchange and U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (USDOTFHWA).
5 Simple Tips For Driving Safely In The Rain
Slow Down
Aim for at least 15 mph below the posted speed. Drivers should reduce their speed to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. At speeds as low as 35 mph, new tires can still lose some contact with the roadway. When your tires are not touching the road, bad things can happen!
Maintain a Safe Distance
Vehicle stopping distance is doubled in the rain. Increase your following distance. If it’s raining and you are driving at night, you should aim to be 6 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
Avoid Heavy Breaking
This is a good safe driving technique regardless, but in the rain it is crucial. Braking late can cause skidding, hydroplaning, and potential accidents. Slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you typically would.
Headlights On
Turn your headlights on even in a light rain or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not only do they help you see the road, but they’ll help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights you still should put them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.
Good Working Windshield Wipers
Check the quality of your wipers before the rainy season. Seeing can be very useful while driving!
DriveBetter monitoring driving habits and promotes safe driving for the whole family!
Nice list of tips on driving safely in the rain! The weather is an unpredictable event preparing cars for such conditions should be a priority to avoid accidents and car damage. Getting your car serviced will totally lessen the risks of danger when driving in the rain.
It’s better to have multiple lists of tips to survive in the heavy rain – if you want additional tips, feel free to read our related blog post.