How Slow Should You Drive When It’s Raining?

The rainy season is here again, and it’s one of the most hazardous seasons for car owners and drivers. Every experienced driver knows that driving fast while it’s raining is a dangerous game. Why? When it’s raining, there’s decreased visibility and slippery road situations. So, how slow should you drive during this rainy season?

Here’s How Slowly You Should Drive in the Rain

Completely decrease your driving speed during the rainy season and when it’s raining. A good instance could be, if the speed limit is 30 mph, slow down to 20 mph. In areas where you usually drive 40 mph, cut your speed to about 27 mph. And instead of driving 70 mph on the expressway, go about 47 mph.

Lowering your car’s speed limit gives you enough time to correct your steering if your vehicle begins to experience issues while driving through the rain. It also gives you extra braking distance so you don’t experience a collision.

Also, reducing your vehicle’s speed encourages you to be more aware of your surroundings. Being alert of other cars reduces any likelihood of braking too quickly because, if that happens, you might lose control and hit the vehicle you intended to avoid. 

Rainfall is not the only reason why you need to drive slower during the rainy season. During this time, rainwater mixes with automotive oil that has dripped onto the pavement, making roads even slicker and more dangerous. In fact, reports note that most of the car crashes that happen yearly are caused by wet pavements. 

Other Ways to Stay Safe While Driving in the Rain

If you can wait until the rain slows down, do it. Even if you follow the speed recommendations and drive safely, there are still chances of getting involved in an accident. As such, there’s no shame in stopping your car if the rain becomes serious. If you can’t clearly see the road in front of you, stop your car as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Also, before heading out, ensure your tires are at a good pressure level. If your tire treads are worn out, your vehicle won’t have the best traction on slippery roads.

In addition to reducing your speed in wet conditions, reduce your following distance from other vehicles. Maintain a good distance from the cars ahead of you. Also, stay aligned with the cars ahead of you while driving because doing so will reduce your risk of experiencing issues. 

Also, maintain a healthy distance from large commercial vehicles like buses and trucks. Because of their added weight, they can’t brake as quickly as passenger cars and have a higher chance of stopping over when you experience issues. 

Driver Assistance Features to Avoid Using When It’s Raining

Experts advise avoiding driver assistance features like cruise control in rainy seasons. If your car loses traction on a wet road, cruise control might register this action as a loss of speed. It could accelerate suddenly to compensate, causing you to lose control of your vehicle.

Instead, use your basic car safety features like headlights and windshield wipers to get you through the rain. If your wiper blades leave lines across your windshield, replace them immediately. Also, always ensure your car’s turn signals and brake lights are functional during the rainy season.

Conclusion

Although driving in the rain is far more risker, the risk can be reduced with the above tips. Implementing the tips listed above will ensure you reach your destination safely and sound without experiencing any sudden car crashes or accidents due to rainfall.