How Good Are Your Wet Weather Driving Skills? Here Are 10 Top Tips

Driving in heavy rain and flooding can be hard work and hazardous. We’ve rounded up the best tips and advice to help keep you safe on the roads. Get up to speed on your wet weather driving skills, and then test your knowledge with our quick quiz at the end of the article…

1. Whenever possible plan your journey in advance avoiding any flood prone areas and allowing plenty of time. The traffic will be slower and heavier and there is likely to be more incidents on the road.

2. Remember to take your mobile phone, and always keep a coat in the car in case you break down.

3. Check your tyre pressures, wipers and washer fluid ahead of your journey. If your front and rear wipers are not fully functional it is vitally important to get them replaced. Booking a regular vehicle health check is beneficial to ensure your vehicle is as prepared as you are!

4. Use dipped headlights so that other drivers can see you more easily. Avoid using rear fog lights as they can mask your brake lights and dazzle drivers behind you.

5. Keep checking radio stations for local news bulletins to keep up-to-date with road closures, flooding and forecasts.

6. If you break down in torrential rain, keep the bonnet closed while waiting for help to arrive to avoid water damaging the electrical system.

7. If you are unsure of the depth of the water or think that it could reach your exhaust pipe you should not attempt to drive through it. Doing so can cause major damage and leave the driver with a very hefty bill and unnecessary inconvenience.

8. Slow down! Remember that in wet weather, tyres have less of a grip on the road meaning your typical stopping distance will double compared to driving in dry conditions.

9. If the vehicle’s steering becomes unresponsive, you are probably aquaplaning; this means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. Braking can cause the car to skid out of control.

10. Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

Sources: gov.uk / rac.co.uk

Take our quick quiz to see how good your wet weather driving knowledge is!

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