Safe Driving Tips for Rainy Weather

Safe rainy weather driving begins before you start your engine. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained with special attention to these rain-essential components:

• Windshield Wipers

  Replace them if they streak or skip across the glass

• Vehicle Lights

  Check that headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are working properly

• Tire Tread Depth

  Use the penny test: if you can see all of Lincoln's head when inserted upside down, it's time for new tires

• Tire Pressure

  Check monthly and before long trips as proper inflation is crucial for wet traction

• Windshield Cleanliness

  Clean inside and out, and consider treating with a rain repellent product

When rain falls, your vehicle's handling and braking capabilities change dramatically:

• Reduce your speed by at least 5-10 mph below the posted limit, more in heavy rain
• Remember that speed limits are designed for ideal conditions—not wet roads
• Increase your following distance to at least 5-6 seconds from the vehicle ahead
• Watch when the car ahead passes a fixed point and count until you reach the same point
• Avoid sudden movements, including quick lane changes, sharp turns, or abrupt braking

Proper lighting is essential for seeing and being seen in rainy conditions:

• Turn on your headlights whenever it rains, even during daylight hours
• Use low beams rather than high beams to reduce glare reflecting off raindrops
• Remember that daytime running lights typically don't activate your taillights
• Fog lights can be helpful in heavy rain but use according to local regulations
• Keep your windshield clean and defrosted to maximize visibility from inside

Prevention

• Reduce your speed, especially when water is visible on the road
• Avoid standing water and puddles whenever possible
• Drive in the tracks of vehicles ahead when safe to do so
• Maintain good tire tread and proper inflation
• Avoid cruise control, which can delay your reaction time

If You Begin to Hydroplane

• Don't panic or make sudden movements
• Ease off the accelerator gradually
• Keep the steering wheel straight
• Avoid braking suddenly or turning sharply
• Apply brakes gently only if necessary

Standing water presents serious hazards that can damage your vehicle or create dangerous situations:

• Avoid driving through water when possible

  Water can conceal potholes, debris, or washouts beneath the surface

• Never drive through flowing water

  Just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs

• If you must cross shallow standing water:

  Slow down before entering, proceed steadily at 3-4 mph, and tap brakes afterward to dry them

• Be aware of depth limitations

  Six inches of water can reach the bottom of most passenger cars, potentially stalling the engine

Using cruise control on wet roads can be dangerous for several reasons:

• If you hydroplane with cruise control on, the system may maintain or increase speed
• The split-second needed to disengage cruise control in an emergency could be crucial
• Manual control provides better feel for changing road conditions
• You need immediate response capability on wet surfaces
• Keeping your foot positioned above the pedals improves reaction time

Heavy rain can be stressful, but maintaining your composure is essential for safe driving:

• Focus on the road and minimize distractions
• Turn down the radio and pause conversations if necessary
• Use windshield defoggers to maintain clear visibility
• Take deep breaths if you feel anxiety rising
• If conditions become too severe, find a safe place to pull completely off the road