When is it most dangerous to drive on a rainy day?

On days when the rain doesn’t stop and the ground gets wet, driving can become dangerous, with possible skids, aquaplaning and slippery roads. In these circumstances it can be particularly difficult to maintain control of the car.

Let’s start with a question, the answer to which is important for all motorists to know: on a rainy day, what is the most dangerous time to drive?

A) When it starts raining;

B) When the sun appears, but it continues to rain;

C) When it has been raining for a long time.

The correct answer is A- when it starts to rain.

The reason is simple: even if you can’t see them, cars leave residues when they pass on the roads, such as tire particles, oil and grease. When it starts to rain, the water breaks down the hardened particles which, when mixed with the rainwater, become very smooth coating on the road. This results in dangerous and slippery conditions.

On the contrary, when it rains for a long time, the coating is practically removed, except in puddles, where the mixture of oils and greases accumulates which, combined with compromised visibility, can create further problems.

It is important to pay close attention when driving, especially when it starts to rain after a period of drought. If it is dark and cloudy, it may be wiser to postpone your trip.

Knowing how wet roads and reduced visibility affect your car’s handling will help you drive safely in wet conditions. Staying safe can be simple if you make a conscious effort to practice these 9 tips:

1. Check your car’s equipment

Make sure everything is OK with your car’s equipment before you start driving. Check your headlights, taillights and windshield wipers to make sure they are working efficiently. Also check the tread of your car’s tires (slick tires can drastically reduce traction on wet roads).

Remember that reducing your speed and turning on your lights are two of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your chances of a rain-related accident.

2. Slow down

When driving in rainy conditions, not only should you obey the posted speed limit, but you should also drive much slower than normal. Your car’s reaction time is much slower when it rains, so reducing speed is essential in rainy weather.

3. Turn on the car headlights

Even if it’s just fog, turning on your vehicle’s headlights will increase both your visibility and the ability of other drivers to see your car on the road.

4. Use your windshield wipers

While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers when the rain is not heavy. The speed of most cars’ windshield wipers is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass, whether it’s a light fog or heavy rain. There are also several products available, such as window water repellents, which help disperse water droplets.

5. Keep a safe distance

It is more difficult to stop the car when it rains. Therefore, keep a greater distance than usual between your vehicle and the car in front of you (preferably a distance a few times greater than the size of your car).

6. Avoid sudden braking

Try slowing the car by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than usual, to prepare for slowing down or stopping. Do not use the cruise control so that your attention when using both the accelerator and the brake is tuned.

7. Be careful of puddles of water

Driving in puddles of water can cause aquaplaning, which means the car loses grip and slides on the road surface. To avoid hydroplaning, whenever possible drive in places where water has not accumulated, changing lanes or driving safely around these areas.

8. Take your foot off the accelerator if the car is hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is one of the most common causes of car accidents in rainy weather because drivers can lose control of the car. If your car is hydroplaning, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and turn in the direction the front of the car needs to go, avoiding sudden turns.

9. Ventilate the machine

Rain increases the humidity level: proof of this is the fact that your car windows fog up when you drive in these weather conditions. The ventilation systems of most cars include a function that aims to reduce the fog that develops inside the windows and windshields. You may need to stop your car if you no longer have visibility through the windows.

Finally, make sure you are protected on the road, with Generali Tranquilidade Car Insurance as a “co-pilot”: choose the option that best suits your needs, with efficient roadside assistance, which includes various guarantees that could be very useful to you.