How to Drive Safely In the Rain to Avoid an Accident

Check your windshield wipers periodically to ensure they are working properly. If they need to be replaced, do it as soon as possible. If the weather forecast indicates heavy rain and you know you’ll be driving for extended periods, check your windshield wipers before you venture out on your journey. Although visibility may still be low, you can do your part by making sure your windshield wipers are at their best.

When driving on wet roads, especially when water pools in lower areas on the road, it’s easy to hydroplane and lose control of your vehicle. Hydroplaning can lead to a car accident with another vehicle, or with a stationery object on the road such as a tree or a guardrail. The danger of hydroplaning increases when your speed increases. If it’s raining, go a little slower than you normally would; if it’s raining very hard, decrease your speed until the weather clears up.

Just like with snow and ice, slamming on your brakes when the roads are wet can cause your brakes to lock up or not work properly. This can lead to rear ending the vehicle in front of you. Decrease the chances of this occurring by leaving plenty of space in between you and the car in front of you. In normal conditions, you would leave one car length of space between you and the car in front of you for every 10 mph you are driving. If it’s raining, leave one and a half or two car lengths of space.