6 Safetly Tips for Driving in the Rain

Statistics show that nearly three-fourths of all weather-related crashes occur when it rains. As the pavement becomes saturated with water, vehicles create less friction with the road. Combined with lower visibility, rainy weather poses a significant risk for motorists. While it's best to wait until the skies are clear, you can lower your risk of collision when driving in the rain by following these safety tips.

#1) Give Yourself Extra Stopping Distance

With less traction between your vehicle's tires and the road, you'll need to give yourself extra stopping distance when driving in the rain. If you follow too closely to another vehicle, you might not be able to stop in time if that vehicle suddenly brakes. Therefore, you should stay a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you when driving in the rain.

#2) Active Your Headlights

Whether it's a severe thunderstorm or a light shower, you should always activate your headlights when driving in the rain. Many states actually have laws requiring motorists to use their headlights when driving in the rain. Unfortunately, not all motorists follow this rule, resulting in higher rates of collision during rainy weather.

#3) Brake Slowly

It's important that you brake slowly when driving in the rain to avoid losing control of your vehicle. If you brake too quickly, your vehicle may spin out. Depending on the direction in which your vehicle spins, as well as the location of other nearby vehicles, this may result in a collision.

#4) Avoid Puddles and Standing Water

When driving in the rain, try to avoid puddles and other bodies of standing water. If you drive over a puddle or standing water, your vehicle may hydroplane. This phenomenon occurs when the tires fail to create any sort of physical traction with the road.

#5) Don't Use Cruise Control

What's wrong with using your vehicle's cruise control when driving in the rain? Cruise control increases a spin-out by creating less traction between your vehicle's tires and the road. Therefore, you should wait it stops raining -- and the roads have dried -- before using cruise control.

#6) Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Don't get behind the wheel on a rainy day if your vehicle has old and worn windshield wipers. It's hard enough to see clearly when driving in the rain, but it's even more difficult without functional windshield wipers. Considering that windshield wipers are available for about $10 -- for most vehicles, at least -- you should replace them to promote better road safety.