5 Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain and Stormy Weather

1.  Be aware of hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is the most dangerous event that can occur while driving in heavy rains. It happens when there’s too much water on the road, causing your car to skid across the water’s surface. As a result, your tires lose traction and you lose control of the vehicle. This is more likely to occur on highways and freeways where water can pool, and cars travel at higher speeds.

To avoid hydroplaning, avoid sudden braking or acceleration, keep your speed at a consistent rate (but do not use cruise control), and try to avoid driving through worn ruts and dips in the road where water is more likely to settle.

You’re driving carefully in heavy rain, but you still end up hydroplaning despite your best efforts to avoid it. What do you do if this happens? It is dependent on your car. If your vehicle has antilock braking (ABS), you can carefully brake as normal. However, if your car does not have ABS, you should pump the brakes softly until you feel the road again. Maintain a straight line with the steering wheel, but if you must turn to avoid a collision, look for an open area to steer towards and move very slowly and cautiously in that direction.

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2. Slow down and allow for extra stopping time

Heavy rainfall makes it harder to see and increases the risk of hydroplaning. Slowing down helps you see approaching vehicles or obstacles sooner, so you’ll have a better chance of stopping safely when necessary.

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3.  Avoid driving through high water

High water levels that reach up to the bottom of your car doors can damage your vehicle’s electrical system. If you must drive through high water, do so slowly and carefully, and do your best to avoid going too deep.

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4.  Watch out for debris

High winds in a storm may blow branches and other debris across the roadway, which can cause damage to your car, especially if heavy rains obscure your view of them. In areas where large, loose debris is more likely, such as wooded regions or roads with a lot of trees on the sides, decrease your speed and drive cautiously.

Click here to see a list of the most dangerous weather conditions to drive in.

5.  Use low beams

When you use your car’s high beams, the light reflects off the road’s water and causes glare from falling rain. This can make it harder to see, especially at night. Low beams will provide enough light without reflecting back into your eyes.

Heavy rains can make driving difficult, but by following these five tips you can feel more confident while behind the wheel.

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Looking for more tips and tricks for driving in dangerous weather? Click here to see more helpful advice!

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