9 Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

In a perfect world, the weather would be sunny and clear every time we got behind the wheel of our vehicles. Unfortunately, the real world isn't so accommodating. Weather conditions can vary and change quickly, and make it challenging to drive safely. Rainy weather, even just sprinkling, can result in dangerous situations like hydroplaning and collisions.

Rain causes more vehicle accidents than snow or black ice each year. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration reports that 70% of weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement.

Smart motorists are well prepared for, and cautious of, rainy conditions and wet weather. Get your vehicle in rain-ready shape and know how to drive safely in bad weather with these nine bad weather driving tips.

1) If Possible, Wait for the Weather To Clear Up

If you're uneasy about driving in the rain, avoid it altogether when possible. This approach can be especially smart during heavy downpours that can affect visibility and cause slick roads. Stay at work a bit longer, crash at a friend's house, or postpone your plans and stay home until the weather subsides. Rainy conditions can sometimes clear up quickly, giving you a chance to pick up your plans where you left off.

2) Check Your Vehicle's Tires, Tail Lights, and Windshield Wipers

No matter the forecast, it's vital for all drivers to keep their vehicles in good condition for maximum safety. This is even more important when you’re driving in wet conditions.

Before heading out, check your tires. Make sure there's good tire tread depth, which helps you stop safely. You should also measure your tire pressure and add air if any of them are low.

Making sure your tail lights are functioning effectively is another important safety measure during a rainstorm when there's reduced visibility. Check your tail lights to ensure they're working and promptly replace them if they're out. While you're checking lights, take the time to check your brake lights too.

Your windshield wipers are crucial for seeing where you're going in the rain, so don't wait until they need to be replaced. According to Ford, you should get wiper blades replaced (or replace them yourself) every twelve months.

3) Drive Slower Than the Posted Speed Limit

Slow down if you're driving on the highway in heavy rain. Fast speeds, or even going the speed limit, can cause you to lose control of your car and get into an accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends reducing your speed by one-third on wet roads.

For example, if you would normally drive 70 mph on the interstate, one-third of that is approximately 23 mph, so your recommended driving speed in the rain would be around 47 mph. Since you’ll be driving slower, you’ll want to allow yourself some extra time to get where you're going during rainy weather.

4) Keep a Safe Distance Between You and the Car in Front of You

A good safe driving tip to follow every day, but especially on rainy days, is to give yourself more space around your vehicle in case you need to stop. Increase the distance between you and the car ahead of you to give yourself a greater stopping distance. This way, if your car skids when you brake, you’re more likely to come to a complete stop before hitting the car in front of you.

It can be helpful to use the four-second rule to determine a good following distance. Pick a point of reference (like a road sign) and start counting when the vehicle in front of you passes it. You should be able to count to four before you pass the reference point. If you pass it sooner than that, you're following too closely.

Avoid driving beside another vehicle during rainy weather whenever possible. This reduces your risk of being involved in a multi-vehicle collision in the event that you or a car in another lane swerves or loses control.

5) Avoid Slamming on Your Brakes

Wet pavement is far less forgiving of driving mistakes, so be extra vigilant when braking. If you slam on your brakes, the wet road surface may cause you to skid or lose control of your vehicle. Start slowing down earlier than you normally would by taking your foot off the gas pedal and letting your speed decrease naturally. Then, slowly press the brake pedal to further slow or stop your vehicle.

6) Be on the Lookout for Standing Water

Rainy conditions can cause puddles and several inches of water to stand on low-lying roadways. If you hit standing water, your vehicle may hydroplane. Do your best to avoid this hydroplaning by watching the road closely. If you see standing water ahead, do not attempt to drive through it—you don't know how deep the water may be, or the condition of the road underneath. Do whatever you can to safely navigate around the standing water, or find another route to reach your destination.

7) Stay Away From Areas Prone to Flooding

An area that has previously flooded is prone to flood again. If you're driving in a familiar area, you're probably aware of the spots that typically flood during rainstorms. Be intentional about proactively avoiding those areas when it's raining. Identifying and establishing alternate routes can help you avoid the temptation of driving through flooded areas "just this once" in an effort to save time. According to the National Weather Service, 145 people died due to flooding in 2021, 76 of which were in vehicles.

8) Drive in the Middle Lane(s)

Driving on a multi-lane highway poses even more challenges during wet driving conditions. If the road you’re driving on has a middle lane, stick to that lane on rainy days. When possible, avoid the lane closest to oncoming traffic, as well as the lane closest to the shoulder or railing. Being in the middle lane offers you a bit more forgiveness if you skid or need to swerve to miss another vehicle.

9) Practice Gentle Steering

If you must drive in the rain, keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. Avoid jerking the wheel hard to one side or the other, which can make you lose control of the car on slick pavement. Give yourself time to gently turn the vehicle in the direction you want it to go.

Stay Safe in the Rain With These Tips—and Stay Covered With Clearcover

It pays to take a cautious, common-sense approach to driving in the rain, as it can be much easier to run into trouble in these conditions. Make sure your vehicle is always in good shape and safety-ready before you leave the house. If you're driving on wet pavement, slow down, pay attention, leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles, and practice gentle braking and steering. Additionally, stay off your cell phone and always wear your seatbelt. These tips will maximize your safety and protect you and others on the road.

Are you ready for car insurance that’s fast, transparent, and hassle-free? If so, contact Clearcover today for tech-driven car insurance that gives you everything you need to make informed insurance decisions every step of the way. Real confidence starts with clear coverage. We've always got your back (and front, sides, and bumpers).