Need to Drive in Heavy Rain? Read this! - TSL Insurance Group (2024)

FAQs

When driving in heavy rain drivers should use what? ›

Turn on your headlights

It allows other motorists to spot you better. Avoid using your high beams because you could blind other drivers and the extra light will bounce off the rain droplets, causing more of a distraction for you. If the rain causes your windshield to fog up, turn on your window defrosters.

This is called aquaplaning and it has the effect of reducing the grip of the tyres on the road, and this affects the steering and braking. For these reasons the driver should slow down during and after rain and keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front.

Be mindful of hydroplaning: Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water. To prevent hydroplaning, avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and drive in the tracks left by the car in front of you.

From drizzle to downpours, driving in the rain could be difficult and dangerous if you are not careful. According to U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, over 3,400 people are killed and over 357,300 people are injured in rainfall-related crashes.

Slow down. Braking takes longer on slippery roads — the slower you go, the easier it will be for you to recognize potential hazards and control, slow, and stop your vehicle. Make sure your car is prepared for the conditions (check your battery, windshield wipers and washer fluid, tires, antifreeze, and headlights).

Slow down!

Rain means slick roadways, of course. The California Driver Handbook recommends driving 5 to 10 mph below the speed limit in wet conditions. Also, give yourself more distance between yourself and the car ahead of you.

When rain begins to fall, the water mixes with dust and oil on the roadway to form a slick, greasy film. Be sure to slow down and turn on the headlights. Wet pavement will increase stopping distances, so leave a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

You should stay behind car for 10 feet at least from a car for your safety. The wet roads often cause the tires to skid or slip before digging in and stopping so you have to keep your distance when driving in these conditions.

What are the problems caused by heavy rain? ›

Potential consequences of heavy rainfall

flooding, including risk to human life, damage to buildings and infrastructure, and loss of crops and livestock. landslides, which can threaten human life, disrupt transport and communications, and cause damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Rain Makes Roads Slippery

Even well paved roads and highways can become very slippery when it rains. The wet and slippery roads reduce tire traction and can cause cars and trucks to skid, slide or spin out while driving.

Each year, 75 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on wet pavement and 47 percent happen during rainfall. Nearly 5,700 people are killed and more than 544,700 people are injured in crashes on wet pavement annually.

Reduce Your Speed: Most automobile safety experts agree that hydroplaning is most likely to occur at speeds greater than thirty-five miles per hour.

Low visibility – Rain can significantly reduce visibility, especially during heavy downpours. Water on the windshield, combined with rain and spray from other vehicles, can make it difficult to see the road ahead, road signs, and other vehicles. Reduced visibility is one of the main risks of accidents.