How To Drive in the Rain
When drivers fail to adjust to deteriorating road conditions due to the weather, they put themselves and other drivers at risk. It is best to consider canceling or delaying your trip or commute, but if you must go out, these tips will help you better prepare for your drive in the rain.
Before you get in your vehicle:
-
Keep windshields, windows, and mirrors clean – regularly clean them to maintain good visibility
-
Replace worn wipers – you don't want streaks on the windshield during this critical time
Before you drive:
-
Turn on low-beam headlights – this will help you see the road better and make you visible to other drivers
-
Turn off cruise control – you'll be able to react more quickly to unexpected actions by other drivers
-
Stay focused – avoid distractions like cell phones, radio, and eating or drinking to better pay attention to road conditions and other drivers
Once you're on the road:
-
Reduce vehicle speed – it will allow you more time to react and reduce the probability of skidding
-
Allow more distance for braking – stay five to six seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you by using a sign or road marker to count off the time
-
Carefully turning and exiting road ramps – reduce your speed in these areas where the road may curve or be slicker, which can affect your traction
-
Stay a safe distance behind large trucks and buses – the water spray from their tires onto your windshield could reduce your visibility
-
Beware of hydroplaning – the first few minutes of light rain can mix with oil on the road creating skidding
-
Avoid driving through moving water, large puddles, and deep water – splashing water could damage your electrical system, stall your vehicle, or affect your brakes; the depth of sitting water can be deceiving, so turn around and choose another route
-
Tap the brakes – lightly tapping the brake pedal will help dry the rotors if you drive through splashing water
-
Pull over in heavy rain or poor visibility – if you feel the conditions are treacherous, signal to pull over to a rest stop or safe location until conditions improve
NJM Insurance Group’s Commitment to Safety
NJM’s enduring commitment to safety can be traced back to our earliest days — with a focus that has expanded from improving conditions in manufacturing facilities to helping keep customers safe on the roads and at home. NJM is a leader in personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and workers’ compensation insurance.
References:
CIESC Driver Ed Safety, “How To Drive In The Rain Safely,” https://driveredsafety.com/safely-drive-rain, (July 17, 2021).
Kimberly Cheng, “10 Tips to Help You Drive Safely in the Rain,” https://transportation.ucla.edu/blog/10-tips-help-you-drive-safely-rain, (January 10, 2018).
“21 Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain,” https://www.defensivedriving.org/dmv-handbook/drive-safely-rain, (Last Updated: March 22, 2021).