Always Slow Down in Rain and on Wet Pavement
Any amount of rain, from the lightest drizzle to a roaring downpour, creates a wide variety of driving hazards. You may be used to Oregon’s wet winters, but that means adapting your driving as well.
Rain can reduce visibility, especially on shorter, darker days of winter. Even a hint of moisture on pavement can reduce traction between tires and the road, which increases stopping time and decreases predictable vehicle handling.
When it’s raining, plan more time for your trip and drive cautiously.
Here’s how:
- Slow down for any amount of moisture on the pavement.
- Lowering your speed helps you prepare for sudden stops caused by disabled cars, debris and other wet-weather hazards. Lower speeds also decrease your vehicle’s stopping distance.
- If it hasn’t rained in a while, expect road surfaces to be especially slick. Engine oil and grease build up on the road over time. The first few hours of a fresh rain can be the most dangerous.
- Slow down even more for heavy rain. Driving through pooled water at high speed can cause you to lose control of the car; it could also splash water into the engine and stall it.
- If you hydroplane, ease off the gas, gently apply the brakes and steer straight ahead. Hydroplaning occurs when your front tires ride on a film of water. It can occur at speeds as low as 35 mph, especially if tires are worn.
- Turn on your headlights to improve visibility.
- Turn off cruise control on wet pavement, as well as snow or ice.
- Keep your distance. A car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet roads.