How do you drive safely in heavy rain?

Last Updated on July 24, 2024

Driving in heavy rain presents unique challenges and risks that every driver must be prepared to face. According to the Met Office, 9 out of 10 weather-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads occur during rain. This statistic underscores the importance of understanding how to drive safely in these conditions. Heavy rain can significantly reduce visibility, increase stopping distances, and create a higher risk of aquaplaning. Moreover, even a relatively shallow depth of 12 inches of water can lift a vehicle off the road, posing a severe hazard. For learner drivers and even experienced motorists, navigating safely through heavy rain is a critical skill that requires knowledge and preparation. This blog provides essential tips and guidance to help you drive safely in heavy rain, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle these challenging conditions.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Rainy Weather

Before you even set out on a rainy day, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is properly prepared. Proper preparation can make a significant difference in your ability to handle adverse weather conditions and keep you safe on the road.

Check Your Tires: Tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road, making their condition crucial for safe driving. Ensure your tires have sufficient tread depth and are properly inflated. Worn-out tires can drastically reduce traction, increasing the risk of skidding and aquaplaning. Regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear and replace them as necessary to maintain optimal performance in wet conditions.

Inspect Your Wipers: Visibility is paramount when driving in the rain. Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and replace them if they leave streaks or fail to clear the windshield effectively. Good wipers are essential for maintaining a clear view of the road ahead, especially during heavy downpours.

Check Your Lights: Your vehicle’s lights are crucial for visibility, both for seeing and being seen by others. Check that all your lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators, are functioning correctly. Clean your headlights to ensure they are not dimmed by dirt or grime, which can reduce their effectiveness.

Top Up Fluids: Ensure that your windshield washer fluid is topped up and that your vehicle’s oil and coolant levels are within the recommended range. Proper fluid levels help ensure your car runs smoothly and safely, even in adverse weather conditions.

What You Need to Know About Driving in the Rain

Avoiding Flood-Prone Routes

Driving in heavy rain increases the risk of encountering flooded areas. Plan your route to avoid known flood zones and use navigation apps with real-time traffic updates to find safer alternatives. Flooded roads can hide deep potholes and other hazards, making them particularly dangerous. If you must drive through water, proceed slowly and in a low gear to reduce the risk of stalling and to avoid water entering the engine. Always check weather reports and plan your journey accordingly to avoid hazardous areas.

Reducing Speed and Increasing Following Distance

Wet roads are slippery, and stopping distances are significantly longer. Reduce your speed to maintain control and increase your following distance to at least double the usual gap. This gives you more time to react if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or skids. Slowing down not only helps in maintaining control but also minimizes the impact if an accident does occur. Keep an eye on your speedometer and adjust your speed based on road conditions.

Handling Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between the tires and the road surface, causing a loss of traction. To avoid aquaplaning, drive at lower speeds and avoid sudden manoeuvres. If you experience aquaplaning, remain calm, gently ease off the accelerator, and steer in the direction you want to go. Do not make sudden turns or brake harshly, as this can cause a loss of control. Regularly check your tires for proper tread depth and pressure to ensure optimal performance in wet conditions.

Dealing with Emergencies

If heavy rain makes it hard to see, pull over to a safe spot and wait for the rain to ease. Avoid driving through fast-moving water, as it can sweep your car away. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including items like a flashlight, reflective triangles, and a first-aid kit. Familiarize yourself with the locations of safe areas along your usual routes where you can pull over if needed.

Can I drive in floods?

The simple answer is no. Driving through water over a foot deep can cause your car to stall, risking water entering the engine, leading to expensive repairs. In some cases, water damage can render a car irreparable. Always avoid driving through flooded areas. The potential for hidden hazards, such as debris or potholes, makes flooded roads particularly dangerous. It’s better to find an alternative route or wait until the water subsides.

What to do if heavy rain makes it hard to see?

If rain is so heavy that visibility is severely reduced, even with your wipers on, pull over to a safe location and wait until the rain eases. Poor visibility increases the likelihood of accidents, so it’s better to wait for safer conditions. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you are stopped. Ensure that your stopping location is well away from moving traffic to avoid potential collisions.

What’s Aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up in front of the tires faster than the weight of the car can displace it, causing the tires to lift from the road. This loss of traction can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. To avoid aquaplaning, reduce your speed in heavy rain and ensure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread depth. If you feel your car beginning to aquaplane, do not brake suddenly. Instead, gently ease off the accelerator and keep the steering wheel steady until you regain traction.

Tips for driving in the rain.

@collingwoodinsurance Driving in the rain can make driving a little more difficult! Here are out top tips to stay safe in the rain 🌧️ #drivinginrain #learntodrive #uk #rain #drivinglessons #drive #learnerdriver #passingtest ♬ I Think I Like When It Rains – WILLIS

• Watch Out for Wet Leaves: Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Treat them with caution to avoid skidding. They can accumulate in shaded areas and corners, creating unexpected slippery spots.
• Test Your Wipers: Ensure your wipers are functioning properly before you start your journey. Good wipers are crucial for maintaining visibility. Regularly clean the wiper blades and replace them at the first sign of wear.
• Drive on Higher Sections of the Road: If possible, drive on the highest part of the road to avoid deeper water and potential flooding. Water tends to collect in low-lying areas, so staying on elevated sections can reduce your risk of encountering deep water.
• Keep Both Hands on the Wheel: Maintain full control of your vehicle by keeping both hands on the wheel at all times. This ensures you can react quickly to sudden changes in road conditions or unexpected obstacles.

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Should I be concerned about the wind?

An unexpected gust of wind is sure to make you uneasy, and in the UK, it’s a pretty common feeling. On a windy day, you’re likely to get a sudden gust of wind while driving, whether that’s because you’re by the coast or passing over a bridge or even through a gap in a hedge. You may even see branches falling down, or whole trees falling over – a common sight on country roads. So what do you do?

If you are in an area that has serve windy conditions, you need to avoid driving altogether. Deciding whether your journey is necessary – Is the first step. Waiting until the wind has calmed will reduce the chances of someone swerving into you or be it you swerving into them.

If your journey is crucial, then make sure you check where the safest route is by the following advice from local news sources. If you can, avoid routes that are particularly prone to intense wind, for example, a high open mountain road. Try not to leave yourself exposed, if you’re driving fast and on a wide road you’re going to be more receptive to the wind, so keep both hands on the wheel and stay alert.

High winds can get under a car and affect the braking and handling drastically. If you reduce your speed, you reduce the impact of these gusts. You may find that this makes the gusts a little less daunting.

When it comes to overtaking, be extra careful, especially past high sided vehicles (these are vehicles over 2.9m) this is due to the gust from the side as you clear past. In general, you should allow more room between you and other road users, especially when you’re near cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, trailers and buses as they are particularly susceptible to being moved by high winds. 

Furthermore, hold your steering wheel firmly but not too tight. A common mistake when driving in heavy rain/winds is gripping the steering wheel too tightly – this is counterproductive. No matter what, a gust of wind will be unexpected, and holding the wheel too tight will only restrict your movement. So keep to a strong grip so that you remain in full control, but allow yourself to have a smooth range of motion.

What do I do if the wind keeps making me swerve?

If wind gusts make it difficult to keep your vehicle steady, find a safe place to pull over and wait until conditions improve. Continuing to drive in such conditions can be dangerous for you and other road users. Make sure to park in a sheltered area away from trees and other objects that could be blown over by the wind.

What wind speed is dangerous for driving?

Driving becomes significantly more challenging and dangerous when winds exceed 60mph. At this speed, the risk of being pushed off course or encountering debris is high. It’s advisable to avoid driving in such conditions unless absolutely necessary. High winds can cause sudden movements in your vehicle, making it difficult to maintain control, especially when passing large vehicles or driving on open roads.

Tips for driving in the wind.

1. Park Safely: Choose a sheltered location to park your car to protect it from wind damage. Parking next to a building or in a garage can offer protection from strong gusts.
2. Avoid Debris: Be cautious of debris on the road, which can be hazardous. Fallen branches and other objects can cause serious damage if struck at high speeds.
3. Reduce Speed: Lower your speed to maintain better control of your vehicle. Slower speeds make it easier to respond to sudden gusts of wind and reduce the risk of losing control.
4. Keep Both Hands on the Wheel: Maintain a firm grip to handle sudden gusts of wind effectively. This helps ensure you can make quick, precise adjustments to keep your vehicle on course.

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Need some extra practice?

Learning to drive in these conditions can be a challenge, but where you can it’s good to get experience in all conditions (if safe to do so). This is why our learner driver insurance does not have any curfews – so you can learn at a time that suits you.

Conclusion

Driving in heavy rain requires extra caution and preparation. By understanding the risks and following these safety tips, you can navigate wet and windy conditions more safely. Regularly check your vehicle’s condition, use appropriate driving techniques, and stay informed about weather updates to ensure a safer journey. Remember, safety is paramount, so if conditions are too severe, it’s always better to wait until they improve. Practicing these tips not only helps in preventing accidents but also ensures a smoother and more controlled driving experience. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and always prioritise safety over convenience.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my car starts to hydroplane?
   • Remain calm, gently ease off the accelerator, and steer in the direction you want to go. Avoid sudden turns or braking to regain traction smoothly.
2. How can I improve my car’s visibility in the rain?
   • Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition, use your headlights, and keep your windshield clean. Consider using rain-repellent treatments.
3. Is it safe to drive through standing water?
   • No, avoid driving through water deeper than a few inches to prevent stalling and water damage. If unsure, find an alternative route.
4. What are the best tires for rainy conditions?
   • Tires with deep tread patterns and proper inflation are best for wet conditions. Consider all-season or rain-specific tires for optimal performance.
5. How can I check for flood-prone areas?
   • Use navigation apps with real-time traffic updates and check weather reports before starting your journey to avoid known flood zones.