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May 28, 2023

Tips for Driving in the Rain

by: AAA Northeast Posted: May 31, 2023 / 04:29 PM EDT Updated: May

by: AAA Northeast

Posted: May 31, 2023 / 04:29 PM EDT

Updated: May 31, 2023 / 04:30 PM EDT

Winter isn't the only season that presents drivers with dangerous conditions. Driving in the rain is a potentially serious hazard every spring.

A 2019 study from the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies found that precipitation increases the likelihood of a fatal car crash by 34%, and showed that even light rain increases the risk.

Three-quarters of all weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement, according to the Federal Highway Administration, and nearly half happen during rainfall. Furthermore, crashes that happen during rainfall result in around 3,400 fatalities and over 357,300 injuries annually, reports the FHA.

Here is a closer look at driving in the rain and other spring-related driving challenges, with tips from AAA traffic safety experts on how to stay safe.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning – when a layer of water separates a vehicle's tires from the ground and causes loss of traction, is one of the most dangerous situations caused by driving in the rain.

"When hydroplaning, you are literally riding on top of water without any control of your vehicle," said AAA Car Doctor John Paul.

The first 10 minutes of a downpour present the highest risk for hydroplaning, which occurs when tires can't displace enough water from their treads. Though it can happen with any tire and at any speed, it's best to avoid driving on worn tires and to go slower in wet conditions to decrease your risk.

Follow these tips to avoid hydroplaning and maintain control of your car.

Potholes

Potholes are another spring danger, the result of winter's wrath on local roads. What's worse, heavy rain can sometimes fill potholes, hiding them from view.

Striking potholes, even at low speeds, can be dangerous and expensive. A new survey from AAA found that 1 in 10 drivers sustained vehicle damage significant enough to warrant a repair after hitting a pothole. With an average price tag of almost $600 per repair, damage caused by potholes cost drivers a staggering $26.5 billion in 2021 alone.

"Snow, ice, sand and salt can leave roads in pretty bad shape, and the repeated freezing and thawing of moisture seeps through road surfaces and causes potholes," said Barbara Ward, a traffic safety specialist with AAA Northeast. "Keep your eyes peeled for bad road conditions, but if you can't avoid hitting a pothole, don't brake during the pothole impact. Instead, apply the brakes just before hitting the pothole and release them just prior to impact. Less severe damage occurs when a tire is rolling than when it's skidding over a hole during braking."

Reduced Visibility

The harder it's raining, the harder it is to see lane markings, signage and other vehicles. The situation can be even worse for drivers who neglect basic car care.

Remember these maintenance tips to keep your sight line clear while driving in the rain.

Deep Water

A storm that brings a half-inch or so of rain is one thing. A storm that brings several inches of rain is another. If you’re facing the latter, it's best to stay put, and not just for your personal safety.

Vehicles traveling through water deep enough to be pulled into the engine can suffer from hydrostatic lockup. In layman's terms, that means the end of your engine, and even the most novice mechanic knows getting a new engine isn't cheap.

If you must traverse a deep puddle, Paul said, do it as slowly as possible.

Drowsy Driving

Symptoms of sleepiness behind the wheel include having trouble keeping your eyes open or focused, having trouble keeping your head up, daydreaming, having wandering thoughts, drifting among lanes or tailgating, yawning frequently, rubbing your eyes repeatedly, missing street signs or exits and feeling irritable or restless.

If you feel drowsy, find a safe place to park and take a break or a power nap. A quick bit of exercise and some caffeine can be helpful as well, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Sun Glare

Longer days mean more sun, and greater chances of driving toward blinding light. Always slow down and use caution when dealing with strong sunlight.

Keep a pair of polarized sunglasses in the car to help reduce glare and use your car's sun visors when needed. Regularly cleaning your windshield will also improve your view of the road, as streaks can be especially pronounced under strong sunlight.

Make sure to leave extra room between your vehicle and the one in front of it, especially during sunrise and sunset hours when the sun's rays can make it harder to see the car in front of you. And if you are having trouble looking straight ahead, use the line markings on the street as your guide.

Medications

Spring can be a tough time for people affected by seasonal allergies. If you turn to over-the-counter allergy meds or use any other prescription medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss potential side effects before getting behind the wheel.

Sharing the Road

Warm weather means more traffic from pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles. As you would any time of year, always share the road safely. Stay hyper-aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.

Car Care

Winter can take a toll on vehicles, from reducing battery life to undercarriage corrosion caused by salt, sand and other road-cleaning chemicals. The first warm days of the season are a great time to inspect your vehicle, check its vitals and give it a good clean,

"While the application of de-icing salts and solutions is critical to keeping our nation's roadways safe every winter, it's important that drivers pay attention to warning signs that their vehicle may be suffering from rust-related damage," Paul said. "This can be much more than a cosmetic issue; it can also create serious safety issues for drivers by impacting brake lines, exhaust systems, fuel tanks and electrical connections, as well as the structural integrity of some of these older vehicles on the road."

You can limit damage by washing your vehicle throughout the winter. A spring clean and shine up will also make sure it is sparkling and well-protected.

If you have winter tires, replace them with all-season tires. Inspect the winter tires for any damage you’ll want to have repaired before next year.

If you run into trouble on the road, call AAA Roadside Assistance or use the AAA Mobile app to get help.

Originally published on Your AAA Network.

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