Driving in Heavy Rain: A Comprehensive Guide

One of the most challenging weather conditions to drive in is without doubt heavy rain.

According to Goldberg & Loren, 75% of vehicle crashes relating to weather conditions occur on wet pavement, with 47% happening during rainfall.

So with evidence indicating that rain is a major risk when it comes to driving, you should really know how to tackle this driving condition safely and efficiently.

Although sometimes it’s easier said than done, if you follow the correct steps, you’ll be sure to have as much of a safe drive through heavy rain as possible.

Be Prepared Before You Set Out

First of all, it’s important to be prepared before driving through such challenging weather.

Before hitting the road, make sure your tyres have both sufficient tread depth and tyre pressure.

Regarding your tyre’s tread depth, make sure it is above the legal requirement of 1.6mm.

There’s two main ways to check your tyre tread – insert a 20p coin into the main grooves.

If the outer band is visible, your tyres may need replacing, so check several points around the circumference and don’t risk driving through heavy rain.

For your tyre pressure, please refer to your vehicle’s handbook, inside the vehicle door, or online tyre pressure listings for your model’s optimal tyre pressure.

These will typically fall between 28 – 34 PSI, but will typically vary between different car models.

The correct tyre pressure will enhance your tyre’s wet grip performance and braking distances.

Following the correct procedures for your tyres before setting out to drive in the rain will ensure maximised performance levels.

Along with your tyres being in good shape to drive, make sure your windscreen wipers are also in good condition.

Effective wipers are vital for safe heavy rain driving because clear windshield visibility is crucial for quick reactions to hazards and avoiding accidents in reduced visibility conditions.

Poorly functioning wipers and non-sufficient tyre pressure and tread depth can dramatically increase the risk of collisions, particularly during a strong downpour of rain.

Visibility and Lighting

Optimal visibility is not just achieved through functioning wipers – you should make sure you’re using the correct headlights for maximum visibility.

Your low-beam headlights should always be on – these provide adequate illumination without excessive glare reflecting off the rain and impairing your vision.

High-beam headlights are generally counterproductive in heavy rain as the light reflects intensely off the raindrops, creating a blinding effect for both you and oncoming drivers.

If visibility remains significantly impaired, consider pulling over to a safe location and waiting for conditions to improve.

Remember, prioritising clear vision significantly increases safety in heavy rain.

Navigating the Road Through Essential Driving Techniques

Adjusting your driving technique for heavy rain is crucial for maintaining control and preventing accidents.

Reduce your speed by around a third to ensure a safer reaction time and increased control of your vehicle.

So for example, if you’re driving on a dual carriageway, try hit speeds of around 53mph, which is 33% of the 70mph speed limit.

Also try and maintain a significantly larger following distance than usual; this gives you ample time to react to sudden stops or manoeuvres by the vehicle ahead.

Make sure to steer smoothly and avoid sudden braking or acceleration, as these can easily lead to loss of control on slick roads.

If you adjust your driving style through these techniques will make maximise safety during wet weather driving.

What to Do in Challenging Situations/Emergencies

Heavy rain presents unique driving challenges requiring careful consideration.

When encountering puddles, avoid driving through deep water as this can cause damage to your vehicle or lead to a loss of control.

If faced with a flooded road, the safest course of action is usually to turn back and find an alternate route.

Never attempt to drive through water deeper than your tyres' depth; the water could be deeper than it looks and may hide unseen obstacles or damage the road surface.

If you experience aquaplaning – that unsettling sensation of your tyres losing contact with the road – ease off the accelerator, steer gently in the direction you intend to travel, and avoid sudden braking.

For a full breakdown on aquaplaning, read our aquaplaning guide today.

Stay alert for reduced visibility caused by the spray from other vehicles; increase your following distance to compensate.

If you suspect a brake failure, pump your brakes gently and attempt to slowly bring the vehicle to a safe stop, avoiding sudden manoeuvres.

In any serious situation where you feel unsafe or uncertain, pull over to a safe location and wait until conditions improve before continuing your journey.

Staying Safe on Wet Roads

Driving in heavy rain presents unique challenges, but with the right preparation and driving techniques, you can significantly reduce your risk.

Remember that tyre choice plays a significant role; consider investing in all-season or winter tyres for enhanced grip on wet roads.

Ultimately, safe driving in heavy rain is about anticipating potential hazards, reacting calmly and decisively, and prioritising safety above all else.

By staying informed and practicing safe driving habits, you'll be well-prepared for whatever the weather throws your way.