Safety tips for driving in the rain
It’s well-known that adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, can significantly increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident. The distraction of reduced visibility or slippery road surfaces when driving during rain can increase the likelihood of a collision, especially if drivers fail to adapt their behaviour to the wet conditions. This article will provide some safety tips for driving in the rain.
6-minute read
What you'll learn
- Why it’s important to maintain your vehicle
- Safe driving habits for driving in rainy weather
- Hazards to avoid and how to avoid them
- Last minute tips for driving in the rain

If you’ve ever asked yourself ‘how can I get better at driving in the rain?’ you’ll find these handy tips helpful. Here we explore things you can do (and not do) when you’re trying to avoid weather-related accidents.
Tip 1: Prepare your vehicle for wet weather conditions
Maintaining your vehicle is an important safety consideration, but even more so when driving in wet conditions. Not only can rainfall hinder visibility and reduce friction on the road, a shower of rain after a dry spell can cause roads to become slippery when the rain combines with existing oil and grime build-up.
In addition to regular checks and servicing, here are some top-line things to check that are specifically related to rainy conditions. When driving in wet weather you should:
- Check your tyres: For optimal road grip, your tyres should have a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm across the whole tyre and the inflation levels should meet the vehicle’s standards. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre too, because you never know when you might need it!
- Keep your visibility clear: On-the-road safety relies on the driver having a clear field of vision – so cleaning your windshield regularly (inside and out) can help avoid this being the cause of an accident. The average lifespan of your windshield wiper blades is between 6 and 12 months so make sure you replace them at the first signs of wear and tear to maintain optimal visibility during rainy weather.
- Check and use exterior vehicle lights: Headlights aren’t just for nighttime driving, they should be switched on in dull light and during rainy weather too. Not only does this help you see where you’re going, it also makes you more visible to other drivers. In fact, some drivers make a point of using their vehicle’s headlights no matter when they drive. Don’t forget about the other lights on your vehicle. Checking your brake lights and indicators are fully functioning and clean is vital for optimising visibility.
- Optimise the ventilation system: Your air conditioner is an invaluable way of keeping windows clear from condensation on the inside when driving in rainy conditions, so keeping it maintained and in working order is an important safety consideration.
Statistics show that bad weather is among the top three concerns of Australian drivers, as found in a recent survey.*
Tip 2: Practice safe driving habits
Driving in wet conditions can be very dangerous, with slippery roads and reduced visibility, however there are some safe driving techniques you can employ to reduce the risk of a crash.
- Reduce your speed. Wet roads reduce tyre traction so reducing speed is important to maintain control.
- Maintain a safe following distance. It takes longer to stop your vehicle when driving during rain, so increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to at least four seconds to allow for the longer stopping distances.
- Avoid braking suddenly. Not only does wet weather cause the car behind you to take longer to stop, but slippery roads due to rain can also cause your own vehicle to skid. While sudden braking may be necessary sometimes to avoid an accident, when it’s raining it’s advisable to use slow, gradual braking to alert the driver behind you and help maintain control of your vehicle.
- Turn on your headlights. Using headlights during wet weather is a good idea as it will increase visibility and help other drivers see (and avoid) you. Using high beam may be necessary at certain times, but when driving in wet conditions it’s advisable to stick to low beam or dipped headlights to avoid dazzling or distracting other drivers.
- Be extra vigilant. Be aware of spray from other vehicles and avoid driving fast through puddles near pedestrians or cyclists. Keep an eye on the road and surrounding conditions, including merging lanes and blind spots. Finally, drive safely in the rain by avoiding sudden turns and braking.
Practicing safe driving habits whenever you’re on the road can help you avoid an accident. If you absolutely have to drive during wet weather, then make sure you drive defensively and stay focused on the road.
Tip 3: Recognise and avoid potential hazards
When faced with wet weather, the best advice may be to avoid the road trip and stay off the roads. But why is driving in the rain dangerous? Well, here’s a gentle reminder about some of the hazards you may come across during a rainstorm – and ways to avoid them.
- Avoid Aquaplaning (Hydroplaning). Aquaplaning (otherwise known as Hydroplaning) is a potentially dangerous situation where a layer of water comes between your tyres and the road preventing traction and causing the vehicle to lose control.
While you can’t always predict when an aquaplane may occur, taking simple actions like turning off your cruise control, maintaining lower speeds, steering clear of puddles and staying calm can help you avoid finding yourself in a situation you don’t want to be in.
- Stay away from flooded roads. When driving in the rain, keep an eye out for puddles of water in the middle and on the side of the road. If you must drive through one, approach it slowly and with care to ensure you maintain control of the vehicle.
During prolonged periods of driving rain, road conditions can change rapidly, so never attempt to cross a section of road that is covered with water – even if you are following another car. This could result in serious damage to your car and danger to yourself and passengers.
Remember that heavy rain, storms and floods can also damage road infrastructure and cause instability – so it’s best to stay off the roads altogether if you can.
- Dealing with reduced visibility. The weather can change quickly in Australia, so if you suddenly find yourself in heavy rain or fog, it’s important to slow down and use a lower gear when driving. Consider using your hazard lights and headlights (or fog lights if available) to help with visibility.
Tip 4: Additional safety measures if you must drive in the rain
While it’s always best to play it safe, driving in wet conditions isn’t always avoidable. In fact, when it’s raining many people opt to drive rather than walk or take public transport – which means there may be more people on the roads than usual.
So, if you absolutely must drive somewhere when it’s bucketing down, here are some final tips for driving in the rain designed to help keep you safe:
- Plan your journey, allow extra time and consider delaying it if you can
- Check the weather forecast, road closures and any hazards before you leave
- Avoid distractions like your phone, eating a snack or listening to music or a podcast
- Stay calm and focused with both hands on the wheel to help maintain control
- If conditions get worse, pull over and wait for safer conditions
- You could also consider taking a defensive driving course to improve your skills.
To stay as safe as possible when driving in wet conditions you should remember to be extra cautious and well-prepared. If you keep your vehicle maintained, implement safe driving habits, and be mindful of potential hazards (including other drivers) the risks associated with slippery conditions and reduced visibility can be radically lessened. Just remember to adapt your own driving to suit the situation and stay focused when driving during rain.
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