Essentials for Driving in Drizzle

Driving in the rain is considerably more dangerous than driving in dry conditions, due to the impaired vision as well as the wet road surface increasing braking distances. Research shows that braking distances can be double in wet conditions, meaning drivers should reduce their speed in these conditions and allow more space between their vehicle and the car in front.

According to Highways England, people are 30 times more likely to be killed or injured on the roads when it is raining compared to when it is icy. This is largely due to the fact that people are more cautious when they drive in snow or ice but do not take the same caution in rain.

In the UK it rains frequently, so it is not really an option to avoid driving in wet conditions but there are many measures you can take to stay safer on the road when it is raining, or the road surface is wet after a downpour:

Check tyres before journey

Before you drive in the rain you should make sure that the tread on your tyres is adequate and that the tyre pressure is correct. It is dangerous to drive in the rain if your tread is worn down, so check the tyres regularly and replace them as soon as they start to get worn. The legal limit of tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm, so you should be looking to replace before they get to this.

Reduce your speed

Given that your braking distance can double when it is raining, you should aim to stay below the speed limit. In some countries, there are two speed limits on roads; one for dry conditions and one for wet conditions, to ensure that drivers slow down significantly in the rain.

Leave more space

When you are driving in the rain, you should leave a larger distance between you and the car in front, as your stopping distance can be double. When you are approaching traffic lights, roundabouts, crossings etc. you should also be aware that you require more space to stop on time during the rain.

Use your headlights

The rain and spray from other vehicles can make it very difficult to see, so you should turn your headlights on during the rain to support your driving vision as well as helping other vehicles to see your vehicle more clearly.

Set your heater controls before setting off

One of the issues that people don’t always prepare for is that the windows get misted up during the rain. Before you set off in the rain, make sure that your heater controls are set correctly to keep the window clear and ensure that the full window has cleared before you set off.

The PF Jones Air Heater is easy to install and reliable, helping to ensure you avoid misty windows and will keep you warm on those days and nights where the temperatures drop. Visit our online store for all your travel accessories, ready for action in any weather.