It's inevitable that when driving you are going to be exposed to many different driving conditions. One of these is going to be wet weather. Water on the roads does make it a different terrain to navigate and if you are not aware of how to do this, it can create a dangerous situation for you, your passengers, and others on the road.
Our driving instructors are well experienced in helping learners navigate many different situations. Of course, it's impossible to determine the weather forecast and organise your lessons in accordance with this however, our instructors can discuss and show you different techniques whilst you're undertaking lessons. Don't be afraid to ask them about it once you've been matched with one of our friendly instructors for your driving lessons. Keep reading for our top tips for driving in wet weather.
Slow down and allow extra travel time
When roads are wet, they are more slippery. It's important to allow for extra travel time, so you can take it slow on the roads. Driving under the speed limit in dangerous conditions is completely fine, and encouraged.
Turn on your headlights
When it's wet, there is less light, so turning on your headlights allows others to see you and for you to see better around you.
Defog your windscreen
Rain can cause your windscreens to fog up and make visibility poorer. Turn your demisters or heaters on for both your front and back windows in wet weather to ensure you have the best possible visibility.
Break lighter and earlier
As the roads are generally slipperier, it's important to break early. This will also allow other drives to be completely aware of your movements in conditions where visibility isn't prime.
Keep a close eye out for pedestrians and cyclists
As visibility is low, and the sound of the rain is very loud, your cues of being aware of pedestrians and cyclists are muted. The rain might also cause pedestrians and cyclists to act irrationally to try and get out of the weather. Make sure you are keeping an eye out.
Give trucks and buses extra space
Tyres from large vehicles can splash large amounts of water onto your car, making it hard for you to see. Avoid overtaking them in wet weather and if possible.
What to do if you start to aquaplane
Aquaplaning occurs when the water in front of your tyres accumulates faster than your car's weight can push away. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tyres and the road. If you find yourself aquaplaning, don't brake suddenly or turn suddenly as it may cause you to skid. Instead, ease your foot off the accelerator and if you must brake, do so gently. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), then you can just brake normally. The car's computer will automatically adjust the brakes.
What to do if you skid
If you do find yourself skidding, ease your foot off of the accelerator, and steer the car in the direction you want it to go.
Don't cross flooded roads
We all know the saying 'If it's flooded, forget it' and we should all listen to it. The depth of water is unknown when crossing it with a car, it might be deeper than you think and it's not worth risking getting stuck in flood waters.
If it's too heavy, it's okay to pull over
If you feel unsafe whilst driving in wet weather, it's completely okay to pull over. When pulling over, do so slowly and put your indicator on early so other drivers can see what you're doing. Pull off at a rest area if possible or if this isn't an option, pull as close to the side of the road as you can and ensure both your headlights and hazard lights are on. Wait it out until it gets lighter, and you feel comfortable driving.
So there you have it. Stay safe and think sensibly. If you are concerned about applying any of the above requirements in your driving, book a lesson and talk to one of our friendly instructors about it during a lesson.
