Driving in the rain should be approached differently than driving in dry conditions. Even a light rain can cause roads to be more slippery. The danger of hydroplaning exists no matter how thin the film of water is on the road. The following tips will help keep you safe when you need to drive in the rain.
Don't be in a Hurry
Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so that you do not need to drive faster than conditions allow. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. This reduces the amount of water that the other car's wheels spray onto your windshield and gives you room to stop if the other car brakes suddenly. Allowing yourself extra drive time also gives you the chance to pull over if it begins to rain so hard that you can't see through your windshield. It is important to use the window defroster to keep the windows clear of fog so that you have clear visibility at all times.
Be Highly Visible
Rain reduces visibility for everyone on the road. You can protect yourself from potential accidents by always turning your headlights on when it is raining. It is easy to remember to turn on the headlights when the sky is black and the rain is heavy, but you should also turn them on if the sky is a light grey and the rains are lighter. The grey cast of the clouds mixed with the sheen of the rain can make it difficult to see cars on the road during any type of rain, even a light summer shower.
Brake Gently
When water collects on the road it can become as slick as ice. If the weather has been particularly dry for the last two or more weeks, the roads will be especially dangerous. Dry conditions allow oil to collect on the surface of the roads. When it finally rains, the oil mixes with the rain water to create a slick surface that is difficult for car tires to grab onto. If you are driving in the rain, always leave yourself plenty of room to stop safely. Tap your brakes and glide to a stop whenever possible. Pressing hard on the brakes could cause the car to slide out of control.
Avoid Driving into Water
The cardinal rule is that you should never drive across any area of roadway that is obscured by water. If you can't see the road, find another way around. It is impossible to tell how swiftly the water is moving under the surface. A car can be swept away by even a small amount of water.