Heavy rain can be daunting to drive in but don’t worry because there are skills you can learn to help keep you safe on wet roads. These wet weather driving tips will help you deal with the difficult conditions that rain can produce.
Rainwater can bring oil and slippery residue to the surface of roads and your brakes are less effective as well. Added to these challenges can be a foggy windscreen and bucketing rain that makes it hard to see the road ahead. So, have plenty of patience as it will take longer to get to your destination in the rain and keep the following tips in mind.
Slow down
You can’t drive in wet weather the same way you would drive when it is sunny.
It’s important to slow down because NSW speed limits are appropriate for normal conditions but not for inclement weather such as rain, heavy fog or extreme winds.
By driving slowly you avoid skidding or aquaplaning, where your tyres lose contact with the road’s surface because of water build-up, on wet roads.
To prevent skidding you can:
- brake smoothly
- accelerate smoothly
- corner smoothly
Drive with your lights on
Putting your lights on low beam lets other drivers see you more clearly and gives you better visibility.
Roads which are safe when it is dry can have surprisingly deep puddles when it rains, or large amounts of water pooling near the gutter, so good visibility is important.
Maintain a safe distance
Double the distance you would normally leave between you and the car in front because wet roads offer less grip and give you a longer stopping distance. Be aware that even if you have good tyres on your car other drivers may have ones with worn tread which will affect their ability to stop.
Leaving a 2 second gap is normal on a sunny day, but in heavy rain a 5 second gap can be more appropriate.
Make sure your car is ‘weather ready’
If your windscreen wipers are old and worn you’ll be happy to know they are cheap and easy to replace. Maintaining your car, and replacing worn parts, will make your job easier especially when the weather is fine when you begin your journey but an unexpected thunderstorm rolls in during it.
Check your tyres, too. Tyre tread should never fall below 1.5 mm, and should be pumped up to the correct pressure, otherwise they can reduce your ability to handle your car properly in wet weather.
And some final tips…
- Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so you’re not rushing
- Plan your driving route ahead of time so you are confident about which roads to take
- Check weather forecasts to help you make driving decisions
- Try to avoid driving until the weather has improved
- Use your air conditioner or demister to keep your windscreen clear of condensation
- Vigilantly check your surroundings as debris such as branches or large sticks may end up on roads
- Avoid sudden braking as it is easy to lose control in wet conditions
