4 Tips to Drive Safe in the Rain

Driving safely each day is essential. It reduces your chances of having an accident, helping you avoid injuries. Additionally, it helps you avoid a rate increase when it comes to your car insurance policy.

Rainy weather is a hazard to all drivers. It causes low visibility and reduces the traction between your tires and the road. These conditions could reduce your ability to control your car. 

By employing these four simple tips, you can drive safer and reduce your chances of getting into a car wreck.

1. Rainy Weather Means You Should Drive Slowly

Whether it’s drizzling or pouring, rain reduces your ability to see the road in front of you. With lowered visibility, anything can get in your path without you recognizing it immediately. 

To be safe, you should always drive slower than normal when it’s raining. At slower speeds, you’ll have better control over how your car responds to the road. You’ll also have the ability to react in time to avoid hazards.

2. Drive with Your Lights On

Due to reduced visibility, you should also drive with your lights on while it’s raining. Your lights enhance your visibility, and they also help other drivers see you. 

In fact, in most states, you must drive with your headlights on while it’s raining. This is the law, and you might run the risk of getting a ticket. To increase your safety and avoid a ticket, turn your headlights on while it’s raining.

3. Give Other Drivers Room

It’s never a good idea to follow another car too closely. They could stop short, and you’ll be responsible for avoiding an accident. However, when it rains, following another driver closely is even more dangerous. 

Even if you see the car ahead of you stop short, you may not be able to brake properly due to reduced tire traction. To be safe, you should follow at least two car lengths behind other drivers. When it rains, you should give yourself even more distance between cars. That way you can stop whenever necessary.

4. Prepare Your Car for Rainy Weather

There are measures you should take to ensure your vehicle is rain-ready. Include the following precautions when heading out in the rain:

• Make sure your tires are in good shape.
• Install new wipers. Worn wipers can't remove water as easily as high-quality ones.
• Spray a rain shielding component on your windshield.
• Make sure your brakes are in good working order. Address brake problems immediately.

By preparing your car for rainy days you reduce the risks of incidents. When driving with safety in mind, you can protect you and your passengers while you drive. You can also reduce the risk of harmful effects on your insurance rates.