Tips For Driving In The Rain

DEM Blogger

July 30, 2026

Driving in rainy, windy, or snowy conditions can present serious challenges, even for the most seasoned and experienced drivers.

Here’s a list of things to do, not to do, and remember when driving in heavy rain:

1. If you’re uncomfortable driving in rainy weather, especially when the rain is heavy with wind, you might want to reconsider going out altogether. It’s not just you who may not be the best driver during these conditions; everyone else out there may be less certain than you.
2. Wet weather driving requires gentle use of all the main controls, such as steering, clutch, brake, and accelerator. This will hopefully lead to fewer errors and emergencies. Watch out for wet shoes when driving. Your shoes can become slick and slip off the pedals.
3. Keep your car or truck in good working condition. Change your wiper blades regularly (every six months to a year). Worn-out tires won’t give you the traction required to steer or stop on wet roads. Ensure all the lights in your car function properly and replace any that are burned out.
4. Now that they all work, turn your headlights on even in light rain or snowy, foggy, or overcast conditions. In many states, it’s the law to turn your lights on when you use your windshield wipers. This will improve your visibility, and other drivers will be able to see you.
5. USE YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS.Most vehicles these days have wipers with variable speeds, so you can adjust them to match the amount of rain that’s falling. Keep the windshield clear of leaves or built-up snow. Also, if you know your wipers are not in the best condition, consider getting a new set before it rains again.
6. Use your defroster and air conditioner to keep windows clear.  Rainy conditions mean that the humidity will be high. Running the air conditioner and defroster will keep your windshield clear on the inside and the outside.
7. Don’t follow large trucks or buses closely. Splash and spray from these vehicles can seriously affect your vision. Maintain a healthy following distance and have your windshield wipers on when other traffic is in front of you. If you have to pass them, do so safely.
8. Never drive beyond the limits of your visibility. On rainy nights, it can quickly become very difficult to see. The glare of oncoming lights and the rain on your windshield can cause temporary loss of visibility. In rainy conditions, it is hard to spot people and animals, and in most cases, even harder to avoid.
9. SLOW DOWN! It takes longer to stop in the rain or snow. People are so used to their normal driving patterns on certain roads that sometimes they forget to slow down when inclement weather is in the mix.
10. Put more space between you and the car ahead of you. It is important to maintain proper following distance (three seconds), which must be increased during rainy and snowy weather!
11. Avoid heavy or “panic” stops. Anticipate the need to stop at a signal or stop sign by taking your foot off the gas and letting the car slow down.  Gradual stops are key in these situations.
12. Avoid off-road driving if possible. Judging the depth of puddles can be difficult, and you can easily get stuck, even in an SUV.
13. Stay toward the middle lanes. Water tends to collect in the outside lanes, making road conditions worse in those areas.
14. Watch for standing water on the road. Driving through standing water can flood braking components, causing your brakes to fail. In some cases, your engine will quit, and you’ll not be able to restart it. Water in the engine can be an expensive repair. Don’t drive through standing water if you can not see the ground. Try to drive around it or turn around and find another way to your destination.
15. If you drive through standing water and find that you’ve lost control of your car due to hydroplaning, take your foot off the accelerator and steer where the front of your car needs to go. Don’t slam on your brakes or make sudden turns. Remember to stay calm.

Finally, NEVER DRIVE THROUGH RUNNING WATER ACROSS A ROADWAY.  It doesn’t take much water to wash away or move your car or truck into a stream. As little as six inches of water can float a car, and you’ve lost control. It’s nearly impossible to judge how much water is running across a road, especially in low visibility conditions or at night. Remember: TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN.