How to Safely Drive in the Rain

According to the Federal Highway Administration, 75% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on wet pavement, and 47% while it's raining. Because driving in the rain and on wet surfaces can be dangerous, we want to share safe driving tips so you don’t endanger yourself and others.

Driving in the rain or on wet roads is a lot different than dry road driving. In fact, some tires (such as all-weather tires) are designed with wet pavement in mind. Safely driving in the rain means avoiding hydroplaning: When your tires lose traction and your vehicle starts to “float” or “skid” out of your control.

Tips for Driving in the Rain

Turn on the headlights and windshield wipers

Although this should be a no-brainer, the first step is visibility. Active rain and wet roads mean a lot more visual clutter, which can distract you while driving. Turning on your windshield wipers helps to ensure your view is clearer. Bonus tip: If your windshield wipers are just smearing the water, it’s a sign you need to get new ones!

Turning on your headlights not only helps you see what’s in front of you, but others can see you as well. This is especially important for driving in the rain at night. Don’t turn on your high beams, though. This will blind other drivers in low-visibility conditions.

Driving in the rain makes it hard to see other cars around you, and it makes it harder to see road markings. If you change lanes, having your headlights on helps other drivers see what you’re doing. 

The heavier the rain, the slower you drive

We get it. Most people drive 5-10 miles over the speed limit (Civic Science). However, when it’s raining, all drivers need to drive below the speed limit. How much you slow down should match how heavy it's raining and how much water is on the road. Drive at least 5mph under the speed limit. 

Additionally, leave more space between you and the car in front of you. Driving in the rain is unpredictable and can cause your car to slip or slide when braking. If the person in front of you suddenly brakes, give yourself enough time to stop safely. 

Turn off cruise control

Cruise control, which keeps your vehicle at a set speed, should not be used on wet roads or in the rain. It’s a dry road only feature. If you get into a situation where your car slides or loses traction, you need to immediately stop accelerating. Cruise control will not account for this. 

Avoid hard braking or turning

Driving in the rain means allowing for slower turns and softer braking. Your vehicle’s momentum won’t be as predictable on wet roads. A sudden turn or sharp move can cause your tires to lose contact with the road. At best, your vehicle’s ABS (anti-lock brake system) will kick in. At worst, your vehicle could slide off the road or even roll over. 

Adjust directions gradually and slowly. Do not make sudden motions or adjustments while driving in the rain. 

If you slide, skid, or lose control — don’t panic

If you do begin to hydroplane, slide, or skid, don’t panic. Sudden adjustments could cause an accident. Instead:

• Continue to steer in the direction you want to go. 
• Slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator.
• Do not slam on the brakes. 

If you hydroplane and can gradually slow down, turn on your hazard lights and consider pulling over. You can then decide if it’s safe to continue driving in the current rain conditions. 

Ensure you have rain-ready tires

What makes tires rain ready? Three things: Proper air pressure, optimal tread depth, and tread type.  

Keep your tires inflated to the proper tire pressure listed in your driver's manual or sticker on the inside of your driver's door. 

Ensure that your tread depth is safe, as both tire inflation and tread depth factor into how well a tire can maintain contact with the road. Tread depth lower than 4/32 of an inch is considered unsafe in any weather condition.

If you live in an area with frequent rain or wet roads, consider getting all-weather tires that have tread designs that handle better in the rain.  

Why is Driving in the Rain Dangerous?

Just 6 inches of water can stall a car and cause it to lose traction. This depth reaches the bottom of most cars and can cause cars to slide or lose control. And 12 to 24 inches can float away almost any vehicle, even if it has higher ground clearance, such as an SUV or pickup truck (Weather.gov).

Flooding inside the vehicle is dangerous, but water around a tire can get between the tread and the road, lessening and even eliminating traction. If your vehicle's tread can’t grip the road, it won’t be able to safely move. 

Even shallow water can compromise tires that don’t have tread depth appropriately designed for rainy weather and wet roads. Summer tires, which have shallower tread depths, feel comfortable and handle great on dry pavement, but are terrible to drive on in the rain. 

If you don’t feel that your vehicle is equipped to deal with rainy weather, don’t risk it! Consider purchasing a new set of tires first or only driving on wet roads after it’s stopped raining. 

Nexen NBlue 4Season 2 is an all-weather tire with a symmetrical tread pattern that channels rain (and snow) away from the tire surface, which improves handling on wet roads. It's reinforced with resin technology that adds to braking performance. It comes with a 70,000-mile warranty, roadside assistance and road hazard protection, too.  

Bottom Line: Do These 9 Things When Driving in Rain

1. Lights on for safety, but not high beams.
2. Slow down, at least 5 miles under the speed limit. 
3. Don't use cruise control. 
4. Allow more space between you and cars in front of you. 
5. Eliminate distractions. 
6. Avoid hard braking and sudden maneuvers.
7. Don't panic. 
8. Don't drive on tires less than 4/32" tread depth.
9. Consider all-weather tires in rainy climates.

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