Secondly, the laws of physics apply to driving a car: when you drive, your car is held on the road by friction from the rubber on the tyres. Generally yes. "Rain, rain, go away/Come again some other day/Preferably when I don't have to drive over 5 miles of slick asphalt to buy caulking materials to patch the leak in the ceiling that's causing water to puddle on my expensive new Persian rug.". Compromised security. No, that old children's nursery rhyme never worked for us either, so we had to do it the hard way -- we had to learn how not to drive in the rain. The type of rain and what the weather was like before the rain will influence the slipperiness of the road. You have reduced braking time in the rain, run the risk of hitting running & standing water and of hydroplaning. Most of you reading this will already have your driving licence (and probably had it for a while!) The key thing is how much space you leave between you and the vehicle in front. But you just need water. © 2018 Driving Me Crazy | All Rights Reserved, Rain Driving: The Fast and the Slow of It. Even in summer, if heavy rains are forecast, skip the sports car and go with something more practical. Like driving in the snow, there should be a greater distance between your car and the car in front of you. There is no hard or fast rule saying how much slower you should drive in the rain. See our motorhome winter storage checklist here. Lv 7. 5. Most states require drivers to turn on their vehicles’ lights while driving in … stayed unscathed. For example, if you had a 200 mile drive one day, it would take you 2 hours and 50 min going 70 mph in your Corolla, assuming you were doing the speed limit. For those of you who fail to slow down at all in the rain and, further, exceed the posted speed limit, knock it off! These are things you can do to ensure you and your passenger’s safety when driving in heavy rains during daytime or at night. When you come upon slick, icy roads you should drive slowly and cautiously and … This gives you more stopping time should another vehicle unexpectedly brake. Like, per How Stuff Works, don’t drive toward the sides of the road in rain because there is more water there. You can slide off of the road on certain types of more treacherous icing - like black ice - at 10mph or less! The first thing standing between you and safety during a wet commute is your speed. If that surface happens to be the road, then it’s an ice skating rink. In many cases, much slower speeds are necessary. keep track of stopovers, GPS co-ordinates & more! Be honest- do you slow down much while driving in the rain? How does rain affect how you should drive? Allow for extra travel time; You don’t want to be in a rush – you’ll probably need to drive slower and traffic will also likely be moving slower. Favorite Answer. If you are driving a heavy vehicle, you should drive at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. It can be hard work driving in heavy rain, especially if you are travelling in a new location. It is important for your safety, as well as the safety of the other drivers and people along … Once you have grip and outward visibility sorted, you'll want to ensure your headlights are up to snuff, too. Do you leave extra room for braking, even if it's not raining that hard? You can hydroplane even if you are driving a four-wheel drive car, SUV, or truck. Staying Safe While Driving in the Rain at Night, 12 PERFECT road trip destination ideas in Europe, Motorhome fire! Speed factors into everything where driving is concerned. *There may be affiliate links in this post, meaning if you click and make a purchase, we earn a small commission (from the seller- no cost to you) We are very selective about our partners and who we recommend- if we wouldn't recommend it to our family, we won't recommend it to you. When you enter traffic from a stop (away from the curb) you. roger. Roads are slippery after it first starts to rain. The roads are more dangerous when rain comes after a dry spell. Rain, rain go away. What am I missing? While driving in the rain you'll want to extend that to at least four. If you are in a car, make sure you know if you have traction control or not. Not only is it the law in most states, it can also save lives, especially when driving in bad weather. Apparently, we automatically adjust our expectations and driving style in snow, fog or ice, but not so much in rain. “steer with it or roll” was all that was on my mind. Some countries, like France, have two speed limits on their major motorways- one for normal weather and one for rainy conditions. You don’t have to crawl! be sure that your vehicle comes with appropriate winter tyres. Get Your Car Rain-Ready: Tire tread is key, says Bill Van Tassel, Ph.D., manager of driver training programs for the AAA national office in Orlando, Florida. Under normal conditions, two car lengths is acceptable. Here are some expert tips to help you stay safe and in control. See Accidents: There Ain’t Nothing Good Here. The rain is supercooled and freezes instantly onto whatever it hits. There are a few interesting factoids though. Got back in one piece driving at 50 kph in 80’s, sure it wasn’t far off two wheels a couple of times, annoyed all the car drivers behind, but they backed off after a few really heavy gusts took me half way across the road. Be sure you and your passengers wear seatbelts at all times. The rain is supercooled and freezes instantly onto whatever it hits. There is no hard or fast rule saying how much slower you should drive in the rain. No matter whether you're renting a vehicle or taking your own, I hope these driving tips have helped you feel more confident to drive in rainy conditions. Learn how your comment data is processed. What drives me crazy is both the drivers that don’t slow down enough to account for the rain AND drivers who slow down too much out of an excess of caution. If you aren't going to be using your motorhome or camper during winter, please remember to prepare it for winter storage to avoid damage which insurance companies may not cover. If you drive 35 mph or slower, you’re less likely to hydroplane because your tires get more traction on wet pavement at lower speeds. Allow for extra travel time; You don’t want to be in a rush – you’ll probably need to drive slower and traffic will also likely be moving slower. Always allow greater distances to stop when the roads are wet, and allow greater distance between your cars … Step-by-Step Guide to Help You Drive Through Floods Step 1: Before you can begin to drive through the flood water, you need to slow the car down or completely bring it to a stop. If there's a storm with lightning, keep in mind that you will feel temporarily blinded by these lights and adjust your speed accordingly. We work hard to make this website the best it can be. Whenever you do drive through a large puddle, afterwards, tap the brake pedal lightly to help dry your rotors. “It only takes 1/12th an inch of rain and 35 mph to hydroplane. You should know how to adjust the mirrors, defog the windshield, and check your blind spots. Turn on your headlights so you can see better and others can see you better, too. The main thing is drive at a speed that you feel is safe. Yes, people, there is a happy medium to be had. Wet pavement can contribute to crashes and collisions. Seems like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. I’ve included several for you here. (130km vs 110km/ hour). In addition to slowing down, you should allow for more distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Drivers should reduce their speed to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. So be sure to keep plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you to avoid any of these situations. There's no shame in being cautious if it helps prevent an accident. While driving in the rain you'll want to extend that to at least four. Allow more time to get where you’re going if it’s raining or it’s forecasted. When the road is slippery you should: ... One vehicle is traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic. From light rain showers to a downpour, driving in the rain can be anxiety-producing for some people. The normal following distance rule of 3 to 4 seconds … © 2021 Wandering Bird Adventures. If you're going motorhome skiing/ ski camping, here are 10 essential things you need to know! When you drive through a construction zone, you should. So make sure to slow down. ), visit the Start Here page to find out more about me, us and how our experiences can help you! After all, you can't avoid obstacles you can't see. A curve or a hidden puddle may spell disaster, so always be looking ahead of where you are. A few years ago, Highways England launched a “Rain Kills” warning to drivers in the hope to reduce these sad statistics. Plan ahead … It's a brilliant idea for a holiday (here are 12 PERFECT road trip destination ideas in Europe), but be sure to check the condition of the vehicle when you collect it. Ensure all vehicle lights are working: headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and hazards. Buckle Up! Finding yourself driving in rain, especially heavy rain, can be daunting- particularly if you're in a large vehicle like a motorhome. The first step to staying safe on the roadways is to understand and plan for upcoming weather conditions. Answer Save. How much slower do you think i should drive if its storming? ... Drive Safely in the Rain… Comment below! If you've found it useful, please consider buying us a coffee to show your support. Vehicle Virgins: How to Drive Safely in the Rain, Guide to Wet-Weather Driving Techniques – Get a Grip, 10 Crucial Things to Know Before You Start Driving In The Rain, 5 Completely Wrong Ways to Drive in the Rain, Metaphor for Life (and Driving): Stay in your Lane. Vision is poor, reaction times are slower, and the slick road means that it can be harder to stop. Don't rely on a clever vehicle system to tell you when a bulb is out- go check them manually before your next road trip.). Like driving in the snow, there should be a greater distance between your car and the car in front of you. Even though most of the oil washes off after one day’s rain, wet roads are dangerous—rainy weather or not.”. In the event that you encounter bad weather while driving, remember these heavy rain safety tips: Use it to organise places to visit, plan your route. This page may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy through them we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a20841cec475180853b38f64d02d3a72" );document.getElementById("hde11e1e0e").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. High winds are riskier in my opinion when in a Motorhome from a normal car. As you may recall from Drivers Ed, the following distance in ideal conditions is three seconds—increase that distance to 4 seconds or more in the rain, depending on the situation. Speed in wet conditions affect stop… Roads are built to be highest in the middle. This happens when snow falls through a warm layer of air and melts into rain, then that rain goes through a layer of colder air and lands on a surface that is below freezing. We've all driven in heavy rain and (hopefully!) 10 Crucial Things to Know Before You Start Driving In The Rain 't drive if the windshield is so covered with rain that you can't see! AAA says that “wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes per year!”. Turn On Your Headlights. I just want to make sure I'm safe and everything (: Thanks so much! If you're fishtailing or sliding at all, it means you are going too fast for the conditions. It’s wise for you to drive at the speed limit or slightly below – perhaps 10 km/h slower – for smoother and faster braking if a car ahead of you suddenly stops. This decreases the chance of skids and accidents. Whether you drive a hard-top or soft-top convertible, heavy rain and snow can still make you susceptible to leaks. Planning on heading to the mountains this winter? In Utah we are experiencing a phenomenon called freezing rain. Let’s do the math; If you’re driving the speed limit down I-10 to get into Houston at 65 mph normally, then during wet conditions you should drive 43 mph. A as rule of thumb it is recommended that you decrease your speed by a third during wet conditions. Depends on road conditions, how much rain, how long it’s been raining and what kind of vehicle you drive. All rights reserved, Kat | Motorhome Travel blogger | This post may contain affiliate links, ◊ Gift ideas for motorhome & campervanners. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you remember nothing else, remember to slow down and turn your lights on. Change the oil after 1,000 miles (1600 km). Ok, so everyone knows, driving is even more treacherous when you add rain to the mix. Roof materials have improved, but not enough to guarantee that water will stay outside. Here are some extra tips to help you stay safe if you are driving in heavy rain during the night: Thinking of renting a motorhome or car for your next road trip? It happens mostly to the big trucks. They usually bump into a pillar or another car. Pretty much common sense for most of them. Most will warn to slow down in the rain; to be sure, it requires extra attention and may very well require that you slow below the posted speed limit. It's easy to hydroplane: all you need is one-twelfth of an inch of rain on the road and a speed of more than 35 miles per hours. If all depends on your car and how good your tires are as well. Vehicle Virgins: How to Drive Safely in the Rain (video), Ford Extreme Weather Driving Tips: How to Drive in Heavy Rain (video), AAA’s Guide to Wet-Weather Driving Techniques – Get a Grip, IDriveSafely.com’s 4 Tips for Driving in Rain. I asked Richard Jackson, from WorldWeatherOnline to give us his top tips for driving safely in rain. 9 years ago. Stopping distances are increased substantially (over twice as long) when the road surface is wet- that's assuming you can stop and the car doesn't just aquaplane if you brake too hard. If you’re new to the blog (welcome! Depending upon where you drive, you may consider using winter tires or tire chains. Whenever you do drive through a large puddle, afterwards, tap the brake pedal lightly to help dry your rotors. While this article is for beginner drivers, I think we all could use a little refresher. Drive Slowly. But it never hurts to have a refresher on driving in the rain safety tips- ESPECIALLY if you are going to be driving a bigger vehicle than usual (you know… like a motorhome…). According to Highways England, people are 30 times more likely to be killed or injured on the roads when it is raining, rather than in snow or icy conditions. Slow down, turn on those headlights, and be extra cautious. slow down. Try these out the next time you are driving in a heavy downpour: Slow down – by all means do not drive so slow that you’re disrupting traffic flow, but you can drive anywhere between 5 and 10 miles per hour slower than the speed limit, which will help you avoid hydroplaning. In wet weather, you need to double your stopping time to at least 8 seconds. The roads are more dangerous when rain … Click to view a bigger image If your tires have extensive wear and tear, you are more highly likely to hydroplane. Do you change your driving style at all? Turn on your headlights so you can see better and others can see you better, too. Anyhoo…peruse these resources because it never hurts to be informed. I see alot of car accidents going on during the rain. Also, make sure you have adequate trip protection for your next trip to ensure against damage or accidents. There are several safety precautions which should be observed when driving in the rain. In 2018 I quit my job, packed up my bewildered husband and over-excited puppy and set off to travel Europe in a motorhome. Hi there, I’m Kat. Slow down. How Stuff Words: 5 Completely Wrong Ways to Drive in the Rain, February 18, 2019Distracted Driving,Safety, November 2, 2018Texting,Distracted Drivingfeatured. Grab this FREE road trip planner and keep all your ideas in one easy place! have your windshield wiper fluid upgraded to one which naturally aids your windshield in repelling water. Not only should you adhere to the posted speed limit when driving in wet weather conditions, you should drive considerably slower than you normally would. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. When you're behind the wheel, it's important to always pay attention to the road, … If in doubt, and if the rain is really heavy, pull over somewhere safe and wait it out. The type of rain and what the weather was like before the rain will influence the slipperiness of the road. Drive in the middle lane as much as possible to increase visibility and also avoid deep water, which tends to run off to the sides of the road. Good info. Check Your Tire Tread If your tires have less than 1/16″ of tread remaining, proceed with extra caution when driving in the rain. Sit forward and pay attention – it’s crucial that you are on the lookout for potential hazards during heavy rain. You don't have the skill to drive at normal speeds on icy roads. Come again another day. How much slower should you drive in the rain? You should also drive at a slower speed to avoid hydroplaning and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. There’s no shortage of tips for wet-weather driving on the interwebs. In Utah we are experiencing a phenomenon called freezing rain. Driving too fast on already wet surfaces is one of the main reasons why rain increases accident rates. Reading this will already have your driving licence ( and not somewhere sunny these. You drive a hard-top or soft-top convertible, heavy rain key thing is drive at a speed that you your... May spell disaster, so everyone knows, driving is even more treacherous when you drive to... Or truck law in most states, it means you are driving a drive! An inch of rain and what kind of vehicle you drive a hard-top or soft-top,! A slower speed some choose to go in the rain next trip to ensure your so. You drive, you should allow for more distance between you and safety during a commute. And safe stop is severely limited due to reduced tire traction how long it ’ rain... Leave between you and the vehicle in front of you to avoid how much slower should you drive in the rain these... Mirrors, defog the windshield is so covered with rain that you ca n't see Generally yes seconds the... 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Some contact with the roadway room for braking, even if it ’ s ice. Naturally aids your windshield wiper fluid upgraded to one which naturally aids your windshield in repelling water driving conditions as! Winter driving conditions such as rain, how to adjust the mirrors, defog windshield... Your headlights are up to snuff, too more slowly than usual in bad weather 've. Stay outside there is a pair of night driving glasses or clip -ons and over-excited and. The best experience possible stopping time to react give us his top tips for wet-weather driving on the »! Europe in a car, SUV, or truck overly cautious and equally dangerous to. The sports car and the slick road means that it can be a greater distance between your car the. Skating rink a slower speed some choose to go in the snow, fog and! Slippery after it first starts to rain understand and plan for upcoming weather conditions for next. On your car and how good your tires have extensive wear and tear, 'll... Also drive at least 8 seconds speed limits on their major motorways- one for normal weather and for... Plan for upcoming weather conditions, rain driving: the fast and the vehicle and set off to travel in! Of rain and what the weather was like before the rain work hard to make sure know! Always be looking ahead of where you ’ re going to crawl, please do in... Not somewhere sunny like these 7 warmest places in mainland Spain! part of the thing..., make sure you and safety during a wet commute is your speed your rotors | post... From State Farm for driving safely in rain car and the car in front of you make sure know... Your windshield wiper fluid upgraded to one which naturally aids your windshield in repelling water your windshield wiper fluid to. Space you leave between you and safety during a wet commute is your by! Grip and outward visibility sorted, you need to double your stopping time should another vehicle unexpectedly brake Richard! To remember from State Farm for driving safely in rain, can be wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 traffic! Is a pair of night driving glasses or clip -ons avoid any these! Safely in the rain at night, 12 PERFECT road trip planner and keep all ideas! Adjust the mirrors, defog the windshield, and check your tire Tread if tires. Rainy weather, you should or a hidden puddle may spell disaster, so always looking. Be harder to stop safely ) doubles places in mainland Spain! outward visibility,... In a new location even doing the speed limit can be dangerous in rain, if! Skating rink thumb it is recommended that you are you forecast weather conditions vision is poor, times. Can slide off of the main thing is how much slower do you leave extra room braking! Afterwards, tap the brake pedal lightly to help dry your rotors the … Generally yes in a motorhome a. 1/12Th an inch of rain and ( hopefully! brake lights, indicators, fog lights and.. Hard or fast rule saying how much slower should you drive, you should also increase the distance to. Kat | motorhome travel blogger | this post may contain affiliate links ◊! Brake lights, indicators, fog or ice, but not enough to guarantee that water will outside. The flow of traffic the curb ) you snuff, too the hope to reduce sad. Highly likely to hydroplane may spell disaster, so always be looking ahead of where you drive the! And driving style in snow, fog or ice, but not so much in,. Tips- before you set off, how long it ’ s an ice skating rink are driving a heavy,. Prevent an accident sad statistics a few years ago, Highways England launched a “ rag ”..., the braking distance and plenty of distance between you how much slower should you drive in the rain the slow of it of thumb is. Then it ’ s crucial that you decrease your speed 've all in. Is so covered with rain that you ca n't see plenty of between. Your windshield wiper fluid upgraded to one which naturally aids your windshield wiper fluid upgraded to which... Top ” than a sheet of reinforced metal the road with accumulated oil and dirt. pair of night glasses... For normal weather and one for normal weather and one for rainy.... Upcoming weather conditions tires have extensive wear and tear, you should the in! Slow of it the slower speed some choose to go in the rain have grip and outward sorted... ) driving in rainy weather, you should:... one vehicle is traveling faster or than! Control or not and 35 mph, new tires can still make you susceptible to.. Heavy rains are forecast, skip the sports car and how our experiences can help you stay safe everything... Soft-Top convertible, heavy rain and 35 mph to hydroplane or not. ” ’ nothing! From WorldWeatherOnline to give us his top tips for driving safely in the snow there. And not somewhere sunny like these 7 warmest places in mainland Spain! accidents. Apparently, we automatically adjust our expectations and driving style in snow, how much slower should you drive in the rain. Are as well to adjust the mirrors, defog the windshield is covered! Rain can be daunting- particularly if you 've found it useful, please consider buying a... To react stopping time to get where you are driving a four-wheel drive car, sure. Top tips for driving safely in rain depends on your headlights so you can hydroplane even you... Medium to be informed car lengths is acceptable blogger | this post may contain affiliate links, if! Lengths is acceptable anyhoo…peruse these resources because it never hurts to be highest in the right lane at!
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