Driving on wet road surfaces is a risky business especially during the rainy season. This is because wet road conditions can make driving unsafe and lead to accidents, injuries and even death. Here are some tips that drivers can keep in mind to be safe while driving on wet roads.

Turn On Your Headlights

Driving in dim lighted road conditions is not safe for anyone. It even makes it more dangerous during wet weather. Thus, the best way to avoid driving blind (and risking accidents) is to turn on your car's headlights when driving through wet weather conditions.

Read The Road Well

Wet road conditions make it harder to judge the condition of your immediate surroundings while driving. Thus, you must use extra caution while driving on wet roads. For example, you must be able to identify potholes since they can cause flat tyres and accidents if not properly anticipated by drivers. If you see a pothole, avoid steering or braking abruptly.

Clear the Windows of Your Car

You must keep your windshield clean at all times because it is your primary line of sight when driving. Thus, it is important to wipe the water off your windshield before driving. If you are unable to do so with a simple wiper, you might need to pull over at a safe location and clean the window manually.

Rev Your Engine Gently

Do not accelerate too much or step on your brakes suddenly. This can cause accidents and injuries. Pushing your car to its limits during wet road conditions can cause spinning out of control, which can cause serious accidents and injuries. Moreover, you need to make sure that the car's braking system is in good condition at all times because wet roads make it harder for drivers to slow down.

Expect the Unexpected 

People do not think the same way when they drive on wet roads as they do when driving on dry roads. For example, drivers may become less focused when driving on wet roads. Thus, you need to be extra careful when cars suddenly make U-turns or come out of unexpected road junctions during wet weather conditions.

Train Yourself to Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Driving in wet road conditions will naturally increase your adrenaline levels because of the risks involved. This, in turn, can make it harder for you to focus on your surroundings. Therefore, you must train yourself to remain aware of what is happening around you by learning how to slow down and be cautious.

Pay Attention to the Road Conditions

When turning into a road that is usually safe but dangerous in wet conditions, your brain might fail to process certain signals in time, which could increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Therefore, it is important to learn how to manage the adrenaline surge that your body will not make hasty decisions when driving on wet roads.

Take Advantage of Your Car’s Safety Features

Check your car's tyres, brakes and suspension to make sure that they are in good condition at all times, especially when driving on wet roads. Properly maintained road safety features can help avoid accidents and injuries. For example, well-inflated tyres that are not worn out can enable you to brake properly when driving on wet roads. Also, make sure that your car has appropriate road safety features (e.g., foglights) in case of emergencies like poor visibility due to rain.

Be Aware of the Limits of Your Car’s Road Safety Features

Road safety features that are not designed to handle rain might also be less effective during wet weather conditions. Therefore, you should check the limits of your car's road safety features before driving during wet weather. You should also opt for a car with heavy-duty brakes to avoid skidding and fishtailing, which can lead to serious injuries during wet road conditions.

Slippery When Wet 

The speed limits posted on official sites are designed for dry road conditions. Thus, you should be extra careful when driving at these speeds during wet weather conditions since it may put you and your passengers in danger. If the road is less occupied, you can speed up to ensure your safety. Slippery roads can lead to wet conditions that may cause an accident.

Avoid Flooded Areas

You should avoid flooded areas if possible. This is because flooding can severely impact your car's performance and road safety features during wet weather conditions. If you must drive through a flooded area, make sure that the water level does not exceed your tyres’ treads. A flooded road can be a good reference point to determine whether your tyres have been properly inflated. For example, if the water level is less than halfway up your tyres, you should immediately inflate them to the proper air pressure or get it checked by an expert. 

Practice the Three-Second Rule

This is a driving rule you can use to determine how much space you should give cars on the street. To apply this rule, count ‘one thousand and one’ while slowly watching the road ahead of you. After counting for three seconds, if any vehicle approaches within three seconds, then it already poses a threat to your car's safety. You may want to reduce speed or change lanes depending on the situation.

Slow Down When Conditions Require It

Remember that driving under wet weather conditions usually requires a lower speed limit, especially during storms and heavy rain. A higher speed can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or increase the risk of a car accident. For example, if your front wheel skids while going over a wet road surface, you will have less time to adjust the steering wheel.

Signal Your Intentions When Driving on Wet Road Surfaces 

To reduce the risk of an accident, drivers should always signal their intentions when driving on wet road surfaces. Knowing the possible risks of driving on wet road surfaces is essential to keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. To manage these risks, be knowledgeable about your car's capabilities (e.g., traction control) in addition to understanding how to keep yourself safe when driving through different weather conditions (wet or light rain).

Avoid Driving in Outer Lanes 

Drivers should avoid driving on outer lanes when driving on wet road surfaces. If possible, drivers should use inner lanes since they are less likely to experience water buildup during wet weather conditions, greatly reducing the risk of skidding or hydroplaning.

Stay Alert When Driving on Wet Road Surfaces 

Drivers should adjust their speed according to climatic conditions, including wet weather. When driving on wet road surfaces at high speeds, drivers may not be able to control their cars properly. They may also lose traction and skid across the surface. Therefore, it is best to slow down when driving on wet road surfaces to keep yourself and other drivers safe.

Drivers should also remember that wet weather conditions can cause roads to be slippery. If possible, they should increase the distance between their cars and the vehicle in front of them by using the three-second rule. It is also important for all drivers to focus on the road when driving. 

You Can Manage the Risk of Crashes When Driving in Wet Weather 

Driving in wet weather conditions does not mean that you will end up in a car accident. With the right amount of precautions and safety tips, you can manage the risk of bumps or scratches when driving on wet road surfaces.