Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis reminded us how quickly wet and windy conditions can create precarious driving situations. In this post, we explore practical storm driving tips to help you stay safe on the road when rain and gusts arrive, and what to do once the weather starts to ease. This content uses the keyword storm driving tips to frame the guidance and ensure you’re prepared for both the rain and the post-storm aftermath.
Storm Driving Tips: Why Storm Driving Tips Matter
Driving during and after rain is a challenge even for seasoned drivers. Reduced visibility, slick surfaces, and the risk of standing water can make journeys unpredictable. Storm driving tips focus on slowing down, maintaining vehicle control, and planning ahead to avoid unnecessary risks. By understanding how rain modifies braking distances, grip, and visibility, you can reduce the odds of a skid, aquaplaning, or a surprise loss of control.
Slow Down and Anticipate
- It may seem obvious, but driving too fast when it is raining is dangerous. The problem with wet roads is that it affects braking distances and grip. As a rule, braking distances double at motorway speed, so going slowly means you need less distance to stop.
- Take corners slowly and don’t accelerate out quickly, or you could spin. Slipping or skidding is more likely when you apply throttle aggressively while a corner is wet.
- Increase following distance. Leave more space between you and the vehicle in front so you have extra time to react if they brake suddenly or encounter standing water.
Tyre Care: The Foundation of Wet-Weather Grip
- Tyre care is essential for wet weather safety. Staying over the legal tyre tread limit means tyres work better in the wet. Check the tyre pressure in all your wheels – even the spare – every week and top up if needed.
- Underinflated tyres reduce grip on wet roads. Regularly inspect your tyres for tread depth, cuts, or bulges, and ensure pressures match the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Consider winter or all-season tyres if you live in an area with prolonged wet weather. While not a substitute for careful driving, appropriate tyres can improve traction in rain.
Aquaplaning: What It Is and How to Handle It
- Aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between your tyres and the road, removing grip completely. If the steering wheel goes light, you could be about to spin.
- You can lose control even going in a straight line, so slow down if there’s standing water around.
- What to do if you feel aquaplaning: ease off the accelerator gently, avoid sudden braking, and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. Wait for the vehicle to regain grip before continuing at a reduced speed.
What to Do If Your Car Aquaplanes – Storm Driving Tips
- Don’t brake hard – it makes it worse. Braking while aquaplaning can transfer weight and pathways in unpredictable ways.
- Reduce acceleration in a careful and controlled manner. If possible, ease off the throttle gradually.
- If your car starts to get out of control, counteract the spin by turning the wheel gently in the opposite direction. Avoid overcorrecting, which can lead to a more pronounced skid.
- If you can, steer to a safe lane or shoulder and stop only when you have control and enough space to regain composure.
Visibility Matters: Check Your Wipers and Lights
- Check your wipers regularly. If you haven’t changed your wiper blades yet this year, replace them. Wipers that are damaged don’t do as good a job of clearing the windscreen, and your vision could be obscured.
- Ensure your headlights, taillights, and fog lights are clean and functioning. Good visibility is critical during rain and windy conditions.
Preparing for and Handling Post-Storm Wet Roads
- After the storm passes, roads can still be hazardous due to debris, puddles, or limited drainage. Exercise caution as water may have pooled in low spots, hidden potholes, or lane markings.
- If you encounter flooded stretches, avoid driving through water if you aren’t sure of its depth. Turn around and find an alternate route if necessary.
- Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists who may be more exposed to gusty winds and wet surfaces.
Practical Storm Driving Tips for Van Drivers and Fleet Operators
- In the context of storm driving tips for commercial use, ensure vehicles are well-maintained, with particular attention to brakes, tyres, and wipers.
- Plan routes to avoid flood-prone areas and allow extra time for deliveries during and after heavy rain.
- Keep an emergency kit in the vehicle, including a reflective jacket, warning triangle, flashlight, and a cloth to wipe rain from a windshield.
Storm driving tips center on reducing speed, increasing awareness, and maintaining vehicle readiness. Wet roads demand gentler inputs, planning for longer stopping distances, and careful handling during aquaplaning events. Regular maintenance, especially tyres and wipers, buys you precious seconds in a storm. By adopting these practices, you’ll be better prepared to drive safely during storms like Ciara and Dennis and to respond calmly when the rain finally clears.
If you’re looking for local vehicle services or guidance on van hiring during storm seasons, consider contacting reputable providers in your area for competitive quotes and support. Remember: safe driving in wet weather is a collective effort that begins with you. For Van Hire Warrington, Van Hire Runcorn, Van Hire Widnes, Van Hire Altrincham & Van Hire St Helens van contact us today for a competitive quote.
