Five tips to stay safe on wet roads

Torrential rain, storms and flash flooding come with plenty of environmental challenges, but they also bring about hazardous road conditions for motorists.

Preparation as well as taking necessary precautions before hitting the road is key to minimising risk, so we’ve compiled some of the most important things you can do to keep you, your family and other road users safe on wet roads.

We’ve all heard it before, but driving to the conditions is so important, especially in wet weather and when driving in unfamiliar areas.

When roads are wet, there’s less grip, so stopping time increases and steering inputs aren’t always as precise. That means the slower you drive, the better your chances of staying safe.

Pools of water can build up on the road too, causing you to lose traction and aquaplane. In lots of cases, these large puddles of water can be difficult to see until you’re just about to hit them, especially when it’s pouring rain and visibility is low.

Reducing your speed, even by as little as 5km/h, can greatly reduce your chances of coming unstuck on slippery roads.

And if the rain becomes too heavy, pull safely off to the side of the road and wait for it to stop.

Click here for a safety checklist that makes driving on wet roads not only less stressful, but also safer.

Make sure your vehicle’s windscreen wiper blades are in good working order and replace them as soon as possible if need be.

It’s also a good idea to get your hands on some products that make water bead off glass easier, as this will help you see better as well as extend the life of your wipers.

At the same time, make sure your lights are working; headlights, tail-lights, brake lights and indicators.

A few seconds out in the rain checking these could mean the difference between standing out in the rain later exchanging details with another driver after they’ve rear-ended you because your brake lights weren’t working.

You should also drive with your headlights on when it’s raining, so you can see the road better and fellow motorists can see you.

You can read our article on how to replace light globes yourself, and how to attend to other DIY maintenance issues.

Other places or people that will often help include your local mechanic, automotive accessory stores and the service section of a dealership.

Your tyres are the only thing keeping you and your car connected to the road, so the quality and condition of them is crucial.

Make sure there’s plenty of tread on every tyre, and no signs of damage or extreme wear. We have a tyre safety checklist that provides more information.

Also ensure each tyre has enough air. You can check air pressures against the tyre placard, a sticker or plate usually located on the frame of the car inside the driver’s door.

Wet weather almost always leads to congested roads, whether it’s due to cars moving slower than normal or traffic banked-up due to flooded roads or hazards such as car accidents, fallen trees or debris on the road.

If you know you need to be somewhere important, like work, school or a medical appointment, allow plenty of travel time and keep an eye out for weather warnings in the area before setting off.

Remember, this is not the time for that spontaneous road trip or to go sightseeing at the local floodwaters or storm-affected areas.

Putting yourself and others at unnecessary risk just isn’t worth it. Put simply, if you really don’t need to go out, don’t.

Read our top 10 safe driving tips for more advice.

Even if you drive a jacked-up, hardcore 4x4, driving through flood waters or a large pool of water is never a good idea.

It’s dangerous, and puts you and others at risk.

Click here for safety tips on what to do if you come across a flooded road.