Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain

Last Updated on December 11, 2025

Rain significantly increases the chances of an accident. Wet pavement reduces traction, and heavy rain can cut visibility to almost nothing—two things you never want at the same time.

Fortunately, driving in the rain doesn’t have to be dangerous. With the right prep (tires, wipers, lights) and a few defensive driving habits, you can reduce your risk in wet weather.

Keep reading for simple, practical tips for driving safely in the rain.

Key Takeaways

• Rain reduces traction and visibility, so slowing down and leaving extra following distance are the two biggest safety upgrades you can make.
• Your “rain readiness” comes down to basics: good tire tread, proper tire pressure, functioning wipers, and clean glass.
• If you hydroplane, ease off the gas, steer smoothly, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns until traction returns.
• Never drive through floodwater unless you know the depth—turn around and take another route whenever water covers the road.

How to Drive Safely in the Rain – 19 Tips

1) If You’re Uncomfortable, Wait for Better Conditions

There’s no rule requiring you to drive in the rain. If it’s safe to do so, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Even if following safe driving tips, driving in heavy rain can be dangerous—especially at night or on unfamiliar roads. When in doubt, wait it out.

2) Check Your Tires (Tread and Pressure)

Tires are your #1 safety tool in the rain. Worn tread makes it harder to channel water away, increasing the risk of hydroplaning and longer stopping distances.

Quick checks:

• Tread: If your tread is close to the wear bars, replace the tires. The legal minimum is very low—wet traction usually suffers well before then.
• Pressure: Underinflated tires handle worse and can hydroplane more easily. Check pressure when tires are cold.

3) Slow Down (More Than You Think You Need To)

This is the most important rainy-day rule. Slowing down gives you more time to spot hazards, brake smoothly, and avoid sudden moves. It also helps tires maintain contact with the road. If visibility is poor, drive at a speed where you can stop safely within the distance you can see.

4) Turn On Your Headlights (Use Low Beams)

Turn on headlights any time rain reduces visibility—even during the day. Your lights aren’t just for you; they help other drivers see you. Low beams are best in rain and fog. And since headlights often activate taillights, you also reduce your risk of a rear-end collision.

5) Use Your Windshield Wipers Early

Don’t wait until your windshield is already smeared and fogging. As soon as rain starts affecting visibility, turn on wipers and adjust speed as needed. If your washer fluid is low or the spray nozzles are clogged, fix it before the next storm.

6) Increase Following Distance

Wet roads increase stopping distance. Give yourself more room than you would on a dry day. A simple rule: if you normally leave about three seconds, increase it in the rain (and add even more space in heavy rain, at night, or when traffic is fast).

7) Avoid Heavy Braking

Heavy braking is riskier on wet pavement because traction is reduced. Brake earlier and more gently. If you have ABS, apply firm, steady pressure when needed (don’t pump the brakes). If you don’t have ABS, gentle “threshold braking” (or light pumping) can help prevent a skid.

8) If You’re Braking a Lot, You’re Going Too Fast

Frequent braking is a sign you should slow down and increase following distance. It also makes it harder for drivers behind you to predict whether you’re lightly slowing or stopping suddenly. Smooth driving is safer driving in the rain.

9) Don’t Drive Through Water Unless You Know the Depth

Flooded roads are extremely dangerous because you can’t see what’s under the water (missing pavement, debris, deep potholes), and moving water can push vehicles off the road. The safest rule is simple: don’t drive into flooded areas—turn around and find another route.

If your area is flooding, follow “Turn Around Don’t Drown” guidance from the National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown

10) If You Hydroplane, Don’t Accelerate

Hydroplaning means your tires temporarily lose grip and ride on top of water. If it happens, don’t panic and don’t hit the gas. Ease off the accelerator, keep steering smooth, and look where you want to go.

Most of the time, traction returns as the vehicle slows down—especially if you avoid sudden steering and hard braking.

11) Run Your Ventilation and Defog Early

Rain raises humidity and fogs windows fast. Use your front defrost setting, and don’t be afraid to use A/C (it dehumidifies the air). If your windshield starts fogging, handle it immediately—driving with a fogged windshield is like driving with a blindfold.

12) Turn Off Cruise Control (Including Adaptive Cruise)

In rain, you want full control over speed. Cruise control can make it easier to maintain too much speed for conditions. If you start to hydroplane, cruise control can also delay your natural instinct to ease off the accelerator.

13) Be Extra Careful When Turning or Changing Lanes

Wet roads reduce traction, and lane changes often involve painted lines (which can be slick). Slow down before turns, keep steering smooth, and give yourself more space. Shoulder check, check blind spots, and signal early—low visibility can make other vehicles “disappear.”

14) Maintain Your Wipers (Don’t Let Them Smear)

Wiper blades wear out gradually—until the day you really need them. If your wipers smear, skip, chatter, or leave streaks, replace them. Also clean the wiper blades and windshield; film and grime can make rain glare much worse.

15) Clean the Inside of Your Windshield

A dirty windshield on the inside creates extra glare and hazy vision in rain—especially at night with oncoming headlights. Clean the inside glass periodically with a proper glass cleaner and a lint-free towel.

16) Tap Your Brakes After Deep Puddles

After driving through a deep puddle (or heavy spray), gently tapping the brakes can help dry them and confirm they feel normal. Don’t do this in heavy traffic—only when it’s safe and you’re not surprising drivers behind you.

17) Don’t Rely on Driver-Assist Tech in Heavy Rain

Lane-keeping assist, collision warnings, and adaptive cruise can be helpful, but rain can affect cameras/sensors and lane line visibility. Treat driver-assist as a backup—not a substitute for careful driving and extra stopping distance.

18) Be Extra Cautious After a Long Dry Spell

The first rain after dry weather can be especially slippery. Oil, rubber, and dust build up on roads and mix with water to create a slick layer—especially in the first part of a storm. Slow down and increase following distance.

19) Avoid Distractions (It Matters More in the Rain)

You should always avoid distractions while driving, but it’s extra important in wet conditions. Put away your phone, keep both hands ready, and focus on scanning ahead. Rain reduces your margin for error—so give driving your full attention.

FAQs on Driving Safely in the Rain

Final Word

Driving in the rain can be dangerous—but it doesn’t have to be. Slow down, increase following distance, keep your visibility high (wipers + defog + headlights), and avoid floodwater. Those simple steps go a long way toward staying safe in wet weather.