Navigating the road during heavy rain requires preparedness and skill, particularly for young drivers without much experience driving in poor weather. The first time you drive in heavy rain, you might find the experience daunting.
However, by adhering to some key driving principles and prioritizing your safety, you can get yourself and your passengers to the final destination without a hitch. Read on to learn more about safe driving tips in the rain for new drivers!
Preparing for Your Trip in Advance
Even if you’re just going out to run some errands, it’s crucial to make sure your vehicle is properly equipped to handle wet, rainy conditions. Begin by inspecting your tires. Without proper traction, you’ll find yourself sliding all over the road. You’re specifically looking at the tread depth of your tires. Worn-out treads significantly compromise traction, increasing the risk of skids and loss of control.
For rainy conditions, you want tread depth of at least 4/32 of an inch for good performance. Tire pressure also plays a vital role in keeping you safe. Maintain the manufacturer’s recommended levels as specified in your vehicle’s manual for wet weather driving.
Once you’ve established that your tires are in good shape, it’s time to make sure you can clearly see the road. Give your windshield wipers a thorough check. Replace blades that leave streaks on your windshield, as this can impair your vision. Ensure the windshield washer fluid reservoir has enough liquid to clear debris and water when needed.
Finally, check the functionality of the vehicle’s headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive reduces the risk of a crash and subsequent car accident lawsuit in Portland.
Adjust Your Driving Style to Fit Weather Conditions
It’s not safe to drive the same way you would in normal weather during a storm or heavy downpour. Adjust your driving habits to account for reduced traction on wet roads. The first and most important thing you can do is slow down! Maintaining a reasonable, safe speed provides you with more time and space to stop your car or avoid an erratic driver. Maintain a larger following distance than usual as well. As a newer driver, this buffer space allows you a greater margin of error so you can react safely to dangerous conditions.
Smooth, predictable driving is key in wet weather. You should not abruptly brake, hit the gas, or change lanes. These actions can cause your tires to lose traction, resulting in hydroplaning or an uncontrollable skid. When coming to a stop, be gentle and consistent with the brakes. It will take longer than usual to stop, so be mindful of your following distance. Accelerate smoothly so that your wheels don’t spin and lose traction.
Enhancing Visibility and Awareness on the Road
Heavy rain significantly reduces visibility. You should have your headlights active, even during the daytime, to improve your visibility and help other drivers see your car. Use your defroster to keep the car’s windows clear of condensation. Slightly open a window if necessary to minimize condensation and maintain your ability to see in all directions.
Stay aware of current and projected weather conditions before and during your journey. Consult weather forecasts and real-time traffic updates to plan your route effectively and identify potential hazards like flash floods. If driving would not be safe, stay off the road. It’s better to arrive late to your destination than run the risk of a serious crash or stranding.
Preparing for Unexpected Situations Caused by Bad Weather
You should always have a fully-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle, even during normal weather. Your kit should have survival essentials, such as water, non-perishable snacks, blankets, a flashlight, and roadside repair set. You should also have a basic first-aid kit and the knowledge to use it in an emergency. Having these items readily available can keep you comfortable and safe if your car breaks down or you find yourself stuck somewhere.
Wet roads frequently result in hydroplaning. If you find yourself losing control of your vehicle, remain calm and avoid erratic movements. Take your foot off the accelerator so that your car begins to gradually coast to a stop. Do not slam on the brakes or attempt to turn the wheel sharply in one direction, as this can make you lose control entirely. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and try to maintain the vehicle’s course.
Heavy rain and storms frequently create hazardous driving conditions, especially for drivers without a lot of experience behind the wheel. If road conditions become unreasonably dangerous during your drive, it’s important to find a safe place to shelter at. Look for a well-lit, elevated area that is unlikely to flood, such as a designated rest stop or parking lot. If visibility is too poor to safely continue driving at all, pull over to the side of the road, away from the flow of traffic.
Tackling Rainy Weather as a Teen Driver
Driving in the rain requires motorists to approach the season with special caution and care. By embracing the safe driving principles outlined above, you can navigate slick streets with confidence and protect everyone on the road from harm. We hope this article helps you enjoy an uneventful trip the next time you have to go out in the rain.
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