Do you still feel difficulty while driving in the rainy season? Well, you are not the only one facing this problem; there are others too. There are so many amateurs going around, and not just amateurs. Even the seasonal driver gets scared while driving in the rainy season.
Driving in stormy conditions with heavy rain and strong winds can impact your control over the vehicle. Moreover, the reduced visibility acts as another hindrance in the path. Thus, you must take proper lessons from a reputable driving school to master the art of driving in the rain.
Additionally, this article will also provide you with some quick tips as a takeaway that can make your driving experience easy and smooth during the rain. You may have heard a couple of these while taking driving lessons, but you can always brush them up. So let’s get started! But before these tips, let us understand why it is dangerous to drive during rainy weather.
Why is Driving the Rain Dangerous?
While taking lessons from a driving school, you must have been told how dangerous it is to drive during rain. Accidents can happen when people often overestimate their driving skills. There could be other possible factors as well. These factors make driving dangerous during rain. They are as follows:
1. Lower the Traction
In the rainy season, rainwater mixes with oils, dirt, and things on the road, making the surface slippery. This makes the tires lose their hold on the road, which might cause the vehicle to slide or skid, making it hard to control.
2. Reduced Visibility
Heavy rain can substantially reduce the visibility on the road, making it difficult for you to see other vehicles and pedestrians. Moreover, wet roads can also create glare from headlights and streetlights, worsening visibility.
3. Chances of Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning happens when there’s water between the tires and the road. This can make the vehicle lose grip and slide around, which can be hard to control. Aquaplaning is more likely when you are going fast and it’s raining heavily.
4. Flooding
Intense rain can cause road-covering floods, making water depth unclear. Driving through floods is risky as cars can get stuck, stalled, or carried by strong currents. Also, it damages a vehicle’s engine and electrical parts.
Why is it Important to Drive Safe During the Rain?
Driving safely in the rain is crucial for everyone’s safety – drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Rain makes it hard to see, and roads get slippery, which makes accidents more likely.
Understanding how important it is to drive safely and knowing how to stay safe when driving in the rain all together help make the roads safer. Moreover, you must take lessons from a good driving school to ensure they equip you with this knowledge.
How to Drive Safely During Rain?
It is really important to drive safely when it is raining to avoid accidents and have a smooth trip. Here are some simple tips to help you drive safely in wet conditions:
Preparing Yourself
Preparation before driving in the rain is very important. You can prevent unnecessary damage and fluctuation during the drive. Here’s the thing you can you:
1. Check the Vehicle’s Equipment
Before driving, always ensure your vehicle’s parts are working correctly. Check parts like brakes, headlights, and windshield wipers to see if they work properly.
Also, look at your tyre treads. Worn-out tyres can make it difficult to drive safely on wet roads. Thus, carrying out these checks ensure your safety on the journey.
2. Carry Your Phone in a Waterproof bag
When it is raining it is essential to carry your phone in a waterproof bag. This will keep your phone protected from water and prevent it from malfucntioning.
3. Check the Condition of Your Tires
You must check the tire tread regularly. The new tires usually have a tire tread count of about 10/32 of an inch. You must replace the tyres when the tread gets to 4/32 of an inch. This minimises the risk of skidding on roads and enhances your safety.
Driving in the Rain Weather
Once you have met all the pre-requisites, the things you should keep in mind while driving in the rain include the following:
1. Drive at a Slower Speed
In wet weather, it is crucial to follow the speed limit as taught during a driving lesson and to drive significantly slower than usual. Wet roads are highly dangerous, as your vehicle’s response time is slower when it rains. Slowing down is thus essential for safety during rainy conditions.
2. Use Windshield Wipers
Do not forget to switch on your windshield wipers in light rain. Most car wipers can be adjusted for light mist or heavy rain. This will help increase visibility by not allowing rainwater drop to build up on the windscreen
3. Reduced Visibility
Rainfall leads to reduced visibility, making it tough to see what’s ahead. Improving visibility on rainy roads goes beyond clean windows. Remember to switch on your lights to enhance your vision in the dark. Turning on your lights helps you see in the dark, which can prevent accidents.
4. Ensure a Safe Distance Between Vehicles
Ensure to have more space between your car and the vehicle going ahead. This distance should be greater while driving in rain as it can be harder to stop your vehicle because of the reduced friction between the tyres and the road. This way, if there’s a sudden brake, the cars will not collide.
Tackling Emergencies
Emergencies can arrive at a point in time, and thus staying ready is essential. Rain can often cause flooding and landslides. Thus, you must keep the following things in mind:
1. Encounter any Floody Area
When you encounter deep or flowing water while driving, avoiding proceeding due to possible vehicle damage or the chances of getting swept away is better. Do not drive through moving water that covers the ground or above your car’s doors. If you come across road flooding, turn back and find another route. If blocked, pull over and wait until the water goes down.
2. Hydroplaning Issue
Driving over standing water can cause hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is the loss of grip that makes your vehicle slide. To avoid this, steer around water patches by changing lanes or safely going around them.
3. Car ventilation
Rain increases the humidity, which causes windows to fog up while driving. Thus, you must switch on your AC to clear this fog. If visibility is still poor and does not improve, consider stopping until your view improves.
The Bottom Line
Driving in rainy conditions demands caution and preparation. Reduced visibility, impaired traction, and aquaplaning risks underscore the need for safe practices. Besides following these steps, you must take proper driving lessons from a reputed driving school to learn the art of during the rainfall.
Moreover, if you are looking for an expert Melbourne or Sydney driving school, consider OnRoad, the most trusted driving school across Australia. Their experienced driving instructors provide comprehensive lessons that equip you with the skills to navigate challenging conditions, such as rainy weather, confidently. So, what are you waiting for? Contact them today.
