Driving in the rain can be disorienting and hazardous. If you know you are going to be driving in the rain at night, it is important to prepare yourself for all scenarios.
If you are not eligible to drive on road, pass the g1 Driving test and practical driving test. Prepare with these helpful tips before your next drive in bad weather.
1) Drive Slow
This is the most important tip in all circumstances. Although you may be able to drive faster in the rain, you have a greater chance of skidding off the road if you are going too fast. If there is traffic ahead of you, or if your vehicle’s visibility is severely reduced by rain, slow down and drive with extra caution.
Do not accelerate in the rain. However, if you reach a point past which you can safely drive at a slower speed, then do so and brake for every curve. Brake gently before starting to corner and again when turning or negotiating a curve to minimize the chance of oversteer.
If you are driving an old or new car in the rain at night and need to brake suddenly, it is best to do so gradually and gradually slow down as well. This will help you avoid a possible accident.
2) Do not wet your shoes
One of the biggest mistakes that drivers make when driving in the rain at night is wetting their shoes. Driving in wet shoes can be extremely dangerous. This is because your feet might slip off the pedals and your accelerator or brake pedal.
If you happen to get water in your shoes, drive slowly and shift your focus to the pedals and road ahead of you. It is best to take off your wet shoes completely before continuing on. If you are wearing socks, take them off and let your feet dry before driving again. It is safer if your shoes are dry and should be more comfortable as well.
3) Use Low beams
You should always use your low beams at night but driving in the rain makes it even more crucial. If your vehicle’s headlights have the option of a low-beam setting, always set them to low-beam when driving in the rain at night. The high beams shine directly into the raindrops and are reflected back into your eyes, making it hard to see ahead of you. If you’ve ever been blinded by someone else’s high beams, you know what we are talking about.
4) Scan Your Mirrors Often
Always keep your mirrors clean and safe. It is important to use your mirrors to avoid accidents. If you need to change lanes or move in a different direction, scan your mirrors quickly and often.
Driving in the rain at night gives you a greater chance of hitting animals or pedestrians who are not visible in the dark. Be sure to look in your side and rearview mirrors frequently. Also, be sure to check what is directly behind you every so often.
5) Avoid the Puddle
Avoid all unnecessary contact with puddles by slowing down and driving cautiously. Puddles are created when rain, dew, or condensation hits the road. There is a greater chance of skidding if they are on a curve or in the middle of a turn. Be especially careful when you drive through puddles. You will not be able to see what is below the surface, so avoid driving through puddles at all costs.
6) Keep distance
When you are driving in the rain at night, especially on unfamiliar roads or highways, or driving back when it has been raining earlier, always keep a safe distance away from the vehicle in front of you.
Leave at least a car’s length of space between your car and the car in front of you. The best way to drive when it’s raining is to keep as far away from the vehicle in front of you as possible. When rain is falling, each droplet reflects light. If another vehicle comes close, the driver will not see you until the last minute. Even then, if it’s dark out, he may not be able to tell exactly what you look like. Therefore, when rain is falling, always give another driver plenty of space.
7) Always be attentive
Always be attentive to the road when driving in the rain at night, no matter how familiar your route may be. If you are tired, it is best to find a place to get some rest before continuing on. There is always a chance that unexpected road hazards may appear, so stay alert.
Never text and drive, even if you are alone in your car. If you try to drive while talking on the phone or reading something, the consequences could be disastrous. Texting and driving is an extremely dangerous habit in the rain at night.
Driving in the rain at night should be treated like any other situation. Be attentive and follow the rules of the road. Don’t speed, don’t drink and drive, and always obey traffic signals, pedestrian signs, etc.
8) Have a smartphone that is fully charged and close by
A smartphone is a great tool to have when it’s raining. With one, you can find out what the weather conditions are, whether it is safe to drive. Having a cell phone charged and close by gives you an opportunity to call for help if you need it in an emergency.
Keep your cell phone in your front or center console on a secure holder. Have a fully charged cell phone that is within reach at all times. If you are driving in the rain at night or during bad weather, you never know when you might need it.
Conclusion
Driving in the rain at night is a normal part of everyday life as we all need to get to and from destinations, especially on back roads and rural highways. There is always an element of risk when driving, but by the above tips, you can minimize your chance of an accident.