One of the most challenging weather conditions to drive in is without doubt heavy rain.
According to Goldberg & Loren, 75% of vehicle crashes relating to weather conditions occur on wet road surfaces, with 47% happening during rainfall.
So with evidence indicating that rain is a major risk when it comes to driving, you should really know how to tackle this driving condition safely and efficiently.
Although sometimes it’s easier said than done, if you follow the correct steps, you’ll be sure to have as much of a safe drive through heavy rain as possible.
Be Prepared Before You Set Out
First of all, it’s important to be prepared before driving through such challenging weather.
Before hitting the road, make sure your tyres have both sufficient tread depth and tyre pressure.
Regarding your tyre’s tread depth, make sure it is above the legal requirement of 1.6mm.
There are two main ways to check your tyre tread – insert a 20p coin into the main grooves.
If the outer band is visible, your tyres may need replacing, so check several points around the circumference and don’t risk driving through heavy rain.
For your tyre pressure, please refer to your vehicle’s handbook, inside the vehicle door, or online tyre pressure listings for your model’s optimal tyre pressure.
These will typically fall between 28 – 34 PSI, but will typically vary between different car models.
The correct tyre pressure will enhance your tyre’s wet grip performance and braking distances.
Following the correct procedures for your tyres before setting out to drive in the rain will ensure maximised performance levels.
Along with your tyres being in good shape to drive, make sure your windscreen wipers are also in good condition.
Effective wipers are vital for safe heavy rain driving because clear windscreen visibility is crucial for quick reactions to hazards and avoiding accidents in reduced visibility conditions.
Poorly functioning wipers and non-sufficient tyre pressure and tread depth can dramatically increase the risk of collisions, particularly during a strong downpour of rain.