Driving Safely On Wet Roads

We’ve all been there. You are running a bit behind and going a little faster than you should even though the roads are a little wet, or maybe even covered in snow.

Maybe nothing bad happened and you made it to your destination, but what if you had to suddenly stop in these less than ideal driving conditions? Would you be able to stop the same way you can on a nice summer day?

The short answer is no. Most likely you will require a longer stopping distance in any type of wet conditions, and you may even slip, slide, and spin out of control — especially if the roads are icy.

While you aren’t here to read another lecture from your mom (or a mom), I do want to pass along some tips for driving safely on wet roads that could save you and/or your loved ones a lot of grief, expenses, and maybe even your life.

I talked to my friends at Robert’s Chrysler Dodge Ram FIAT and Michelin and got some valuable advice to pass along.

Slow down. If more drivers followed this tip in the rain, accidents would dramatically decrease. I get that you don’t want to be late to work, or that you have somewhere important to be. But you really have to stop and ask yourself if that five minutes of time you saved is worth risking an accident.

Wet weather doesn’t receive the same attention as winter weather driving, but it should. Wet roads present similar dangers, like less grip and longer stopping distance, for example.

Here are some tips for driving safely on wet roads:

Make sure your tires offer the proper amount of tread.
Drive with two hands. Always.
Slow down before turning, and maintain a consistent speed throughout the turn.
While turning, don’t make any sudden steering wheel movements.
Only brake in a straight line before the turn, and do so gradually. Be careful if you need to brake during the turn.
Increase your following distance from other cars significantly.
If hydroplaning, do not accelerate or brake suddenly. Keep your foot lightly on the gas and steer the car forward until your tires regain traction.

If you want more tips on driving in adverse conditions, check out my top tips for driving on snow and ice.