Wet weather can result in hazardous driving conditions. Rain and surface spray can affect visibility and it takes longer for vehicles to stop in wet weather.

Here are ten tips for safe driving in the rain:

  1. Turn on your headlights to help you see more and make your car more visible to other road users.
  2. Watch your speed – remember that speed limits are maximum limits in good conditions.
  3. Increase your following distance from the vehicle in front – this will help prevent surface spray from the other vehicle impacting on your visibility and also give you more time to react if the vehicle slows or stops. Remember, it takes around twice as long to stop on wet roads.
  4. Avoid following large trucks and buses as these create more surface spray.
  5. Look out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Be aware that pedestrians may have their vision impaired by hoods or umbrellas.
  6. Slow right down when passing pedestrians so you don’t splash them.
  7. Stop in a safe place if the rain becomes so heavy that you are struggling to see.
  8. Take extra care when driving through puddles or flooded areas. Go through water one vehicle at a time, avoiding the deepest water which is generally near the edge of the road.
  9. Don’t drive through moving water if you cannot see the ground under it.
  10. Test your brakes after driving through puddles/ flooded sections of road.