Driving in the rain: what actually changes
Roads are slickest in the first half hour, stopping distances double, and flooded roads are never worth it.
Safety
5 min read
Tom Becker
Central Texas rain tends to arrive all at once. The biggest risks are the first few minutes of a storm and water that covers the road.
The first 30 minutes are the worst
Rain lifts oil off the pavement before it washes it away, so roads are slickest right after a storm starts. Slow down early.
Double your following distance
Leave at least six seconds between you and the car ahead, and brake earlier and more gently than usual.
If you start to hydroplane
Ease off the gas; don’t slam the brakes
Keep the steering wheel pointed where you want to go
Wait for the tires to grip again before you steer or brake
Turn around at high water
Never drive through a flooded road. It takes very little moving water to float a car. Find another route, even if it’s longer.
Small habits that help
Turn on your headlights so others can see you
Skip cruise control on wet roads
Replace wipers that streak
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