Rainy Season Driving Tips

According to a study from the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, fatal car accidents are 34% more likely when it’s raining. To help keep you and your family safe on the roads this summer, check out the following rainy season driving tips.

1. Watch out for standing water. It can be deceivingly deep and driving through it can cause your vehicle to stall or be swept away. It can also lead to a loss of control and hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road, causing loss of traction. To avoid hydroplaning, drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you and avoid puddles. If you do hydroplane, stay calm, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight until you regain control.
2. Make sure that your car’s equipment works and is in good condition.  Check your headlights, tail lights, windshield wipers, and tires before the rainy season begins.  Replace old or worn-out wipers to improve visibility and ensure your tires have sufficient tread depth for better traction on wet surfaces.
3. Turn on your headlights while driving in the rain. By turning on your headlights, even during the day, you increase your visibility and help other drivers see you. You should avoid using your high beams though because they can reflect off of raindrops and reduce visibility.  This tip also brings up a hot topic in Florida: using your hazard lights in the rain. If asked, most Floridians will tell you that driving with your hazard lights on in the rain is illegal, and it was, until July 1, 2021.  Hazards were only meant to be used if your car had broken down or if you were stopped on the side of the road. The new law now allows drivers to use their hazards when conditions, such as heavy rain, create extreme low visibility on roads with speed limits at or above 55 mph.
4. SLOW DOWN! Reduce your speed and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. It takes longer to stop or react on wet roads, so give yourself extra time and space. Slowing down also allows you to pay better attention to your surroundings, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Avoid distractions like using your phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving in the rain. Concentrate on your driving and be prepared for sudden changes in road conditions.
5. Wait until the weather improves before getting on the road, if possible.  There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary. If you cannot wait, check the weather forecast before your trip and stay updated during your journey. You can also consider finding an alternate route if the weather is too severe.