Whether you’re on the road during a light shower or a heavy downpour, rain is one of the most challenging driving conditions we experience in San Francisco. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, weather conditions are responsible for over a million accidents each year; of these, 46% of accidents happen in the rain and 70% happen when the ground is wet.
Rainy, wet conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates, but by understanding how wet roads affect the way your vehicle handles, you can drive safely and reduce your chances of an accident. Here are 11 tips to keep in mind when the roads are wet:
- Wait for the Weather to Improve
If you feel uncomfortable driving in the rain, you may want to consider postponing your trip or commute until the weather improves—especially if you plan to be driving at night. Driving at night in the rain can be very dangerous, especially with raindrops amplifying the glare coming from oncoming traffic.
If waiting out the entire storm isn’t an option, consider waiting out the first 15 after the rain has started to fall. The first 15 minutes is typically the most dangerous time to drive because the water mixes with the oil on the road, causing the road to be extra slick. After about 15 minutes, the oil will be washed away and the road will be a bit safer.
- Double Check Your Car’s Safety Components
Make sure your car’s equipment is in good working order before driving in rainy weather. Before driving in the first rain of the season, it’s always a good idea to perform a check on your:
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Windshield wipers
- Brake pads
- Tire tread and pressure
Keep in mind that bald tires can severely reduce your vehicle’s traction and increase the risk of accidents. Likewise, under-inflated tires can increase the risk of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is when your tires drive on the surface of the water, rather than on the road. Since the tires aren’t gripping the road, you can easily lose traction and slide around. Keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance is the best way to ensure your safety components will work when you need them.
- Slow Down
It’s best to drive slower than the posted speed limit in wet weather conditions because your vehicle’s reaction time is considerably slower than it is on a dry day. In general, your stopping distance is doubled. Most vehicle safety experts recommend reducing your speed by about 1/3 of the posted speed limit.
- Turn on Your Headlights
Since rain reduces visibility, it’s critical to ensure you can see the road well—and to make your car as visible to other drivers as possible. Turn on your headlights, even if there’s only a light drizzle. Not only can this help prevent an accident, but it can also prevent a ticket! Remember: California law requires you to turn on your headlights if the weather conditions make you use your windshield wipers.
- Use Your Windshield Wipers
This tip may seem like common sense, but many people don’t think to use their windshield wipers in light rain. If your windshield wipers smear the raindrops across your windshield, rather than clearing them, or you hear scraping noises, it’s time to get them replaced.
- Keep Your Distance
As mentioned above, your vehicle’s response time is lower in wet conditions, so it’s important to keep a greater distance between your car and other vehicles. You should maintain a distance of several car lengths to allow for safe stopping.
- Avoid Heavy Braking and Cruise Control
Heavy braking in wet weather can be dangerous because it can cause your brakes to lock up or a loss of control. Instead, try slowing your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would. Avoid using cruise control, too, so that you’re able to pay more attention to the balance between gas and braking.
- Keep an Eye Out for Standing Water
Driving through 6 inches (or more) of standing water can increase your chances of hydroplaning. Whenever possible, try to avoid driving in areas of the road that have collected water by changing lanes or safely steering around puddles.
- Let Up Off the Gas
If you start hydroplaning, stay calm and take your foot off the accelerator while steering in the direction you want your car to go. Don’t make sudden turns or slam on the brakes, as these can make it easier to lose control.
- Ventilate Your Vehicle
Rain increases the humidity levels inside vehicles, which is why the windows get foggy. Use your defroster or air conditioning to reduce any fog that builds up. If you find your defroster isn’t working as well as you like, you can also roll down your windows, which will help to balance out the temperature difference.
- Keep an Eye on Brake Lights
A good rule of thumb for all driving conditions is to keep an eye on the brake lights in front of you, especially if you can see a few cars ahead. This can alert you to quick slowdowns and give you plenty of time to decelerate if you need to.
Go Slow, Be Alert, Stay Safe
No one ever wants to be involved in an accident. However, staying safe in rainy conditions is easier when you keep your speed low, stay alert to road and traffic conditions, and make an effort to drive safely. Keep plenty of room between you and the car in front of you, and make sure you’re doing what you can to keep your visibility as high as possible.
We hope you never get into an accident, but if you do, we’re here to help. From high-quality OEM repairs and factory repair methods to insurance coordination, we make your repairs as convenient and stress-free as possible. Contact European Collision Center today at (415) 551-9700 or send us a message online. Stay safe out there!