A COMPLETE GUIDE TO DRIVING IN THE RAIN
As we are all aware the weather recently has been unpredictable. Here are a few tips to make sure you stay safe on your commute to and from work.
How to drive in heavy rain
- Firstly, slow down! Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front as stopping distances in rain are increased
- Use dipped headlights so that other drivers can see you more easily
- Don’t use rear fog lights. They can mask your brake lights and dazzle drivers behind you
- Look out for large or fast-moving vehicles creating spray which reduces visibility
- Also remember to keep your air conditioning on, as this will stop your windows from misting up - furthermore, you can read our full advice page on how to demist your windscreen in double-quick time
- Listen out for local news bulletins to keep up-to-date with road closures, flooding and forecasts
- If you break down in torrential rain keep the bonnet closed while waiting for help to arrive, to avoid the electrical system getting soaked
- Driving too fast through standing water could lead to tyres losing contact with the road. If your steering suddenly feels light you could be aquaplaning. To regain grip, ease off the accelerator, do not brake and allow your speed to reduce until you gain full control of the steering again
- Driving fast through deep water can cause serious and expensive damage
- Be considerate to other road users and try not to spray pedestrians and cyclists as you drive through water
- Heavy rain may lead to large puddles, areas of standing water and even flooding in the event that you may have to negotiate these types of conditions on the road, read below for our advice on how to drive through deep puddles.
This article was taken from the RAC wesbite: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/driving-in-heavy-rain/.