How to Drive in Heavy Rain

When the sun shines for days, grease and engine oil collect on the streets. This causes major problems the next time it rains. Grime and water combine, making road surfaces particularly slick. Streets becomes very dangerous for the first 2-3 hours of rainfall, before the rubbish is washed away. Drive slower than usual, keep your distance from other cars, brake lightly, and remember that heavy downpours call for extra precautions.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Caution
• Watchful Eye
• Alternate Route
• Safe Vehicle

1. Keep your foglights on and your high beams off. Bright light will reflect off of moisture in rain and fog, making it even more difficult for you to see the road.

2. Since most streets are crowned in the middle, keep near the center, where the water will be more shallow. If there's another vehicle in front of you, follow its tire tracks, but don't get too close.

3. Leave cruise control off whenever it's raining. Cars that hydroplane while set on cruise control actually have a tendency to speed up! If your car does hydroplane, don't brake or steer hard, as this may lead to skidding.

4. Avoid large puddles; there could be deep potholes lurking under them. As for huge vehicles, spray kicked up by their heavy-duty tires can make it impossible to see the road, so don't drive close to extra-large automotives.

5. Never panic in an emergency situation. Use evasive action and trust that you will pull through. Freezing up in fear could be the mistake that ends your life - or someone else's. Make sure you're ready for anything.

Tips & Warnings

• No auto should be without a first aid kit, flares, and a spare tire.
• In case the water gets too deep, make sure to prepare an alternate route.
• Pay extremely close attention to the road. Do not allow yourself to get distracted for any reason - not passengers, nor scenery, and especially not your cell phone.

Resources

• Drive Without Fear: The Insecure Driver's Guide
• Professional Driving Techniques: Get Confidence and Skill

[elyria]

on 3/14/2009 Great suggestions! 5*

[travis22]

on 3/12/2009 I have to admit this is pretty good advice, and hopefully a no heavy rain driving mofo will read this and not kill me during the next thunderstorm. As you may have learned alot of people in Texas drive like they just got out of preschool. :) 5*

[Wordart]

on 2/17/2009 Good advice!

[aleen]

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[vikki9]

on 2/11/2009 Great suggestions. We all need to pay attention while driving in the rain.
Thank you.