Tips For Driving in the Rain

Quick Answer

Driving safely in the rain requires slowing down, checking your wipers and lights, and avoiding cruise control. As of April 27, 2026, rain and wet pavement contribute to roughly 1.2 million crashes annually in the U.S., making wet-weather awareness one of the most important skills for any driver.

Driving in the rain is more dangerous than driving during other conditions because you have to worry about other motorists who may not be paying attention, poor visibility, and slippery roads. So when it’s wet out, it’s important to be safe by paying attention and keeping yourself aware of what is going on around you at all times. You should always review your auto’s handbook before traveling and make sure you have any necessary details. There’s also a lot to know about the way rain affects visibility on the road, so it’s important to know what these are before driving. According to the Federal Highway Administration’s road weather data, wet pavement is a factor in nearly 70% of weather-related crashes each year.

It’s important to note that stormy weather can make driving difficult for both manual and automatic automobiles. But with these tips, you will be able to keep a level head and stay safe behind the wheel during heavy rainfall. Do not worry — it’s all easy enough to remember and will get you through just about any rainstorm!

Key Takeaways

Rain and wet pavement are factors in nearly 70% of all weather-related crashes in the U.S., according to the Federal Highway Administration.
An estimated 875 people are killed and over 2.6 million are injured in rain-related accidents in the U.S. every year, per U.S. Department of Transportation statistics.
Wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months at minimum to maintain clear visibility in wet conditions, as recommended by AAA’s vehicle maintenance guidelines.
Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35 mph on wet roads with underinflated tires, according to NHTSA tire safety guidance.
Cruise control on wet roads increases hydroplaning risk and reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly, as noted by the National Safety Council.
Drivers should reduce speed to at least 5–10 mph below the posted limit on wet roads to maintain adequate stopping distance, per DMV.org defensive driving guidance.

Wet roads change everything about how a vehicle handles — stopping distances can increase by up to 50% in heavy rain, and most drivers dramatically underestimate how much their reaction time and tire grip are compromised the moment the pavement gets wet,

says Dr. Patricia Wahl, Ph.D., Senior Research Engineer at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute.

Check your windshield wipers

Visibility in the rain can be extremely limited and indeed treacherous. Drops on your windshield will reduce visibility because they can bounce light off the windshield and make it difficult to see. The wet asphalt on the road can also produce this reflection when hit by light, which makes visibility even worse. When driving in the rain you’ll need to use your wipers, but not all wipers are created equal. Your wiper blades should be changed every 6 months at a minimum and replaced as soon as necessary to assure you get a clear view of the road ahead of you — a standard upheld by AAA’s vehicle maintenance recommendations. Make sure you have some window cleaner in your automobile as well — you will need it to keep the windows clear of road grime after the rain has passed.

Ensure that all of your lights are working appropriately

You should also make sure your headlights work appropriately so that you can see in the rain, and other automobiles on the road can see you. It’s important to replace the headlight bulbs when necessary and to keep them clean so that they shine brightly on the pavement in front of you. You should also keep your windshield clean inside and out in case of rain. Check that your turn signals and brake lights are working before driving on any wet roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that properly functioning lights are among the most critical safety features during low-visibility conditions. Any dirt or grime on your windshield will cause unnecessary reflection and make visibility more difficult. If possible, try to keep your windows cracked slightly — this will help with visibility and allow for a quicker drying time after a stormy trip.

Keep your tires as full as possible

This is to avoid hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is when a car tire comes into contact with more water than it can disperse. The water pressure in front of the wheel pushes the water under the wheel, which reduces tire-to-road contact and increases the chances of an accident. According to NHTSA tire safety guidelines, hydroplaning can begin at speeds as low as 35 mph when tires are underinflated. Driving on low tire pressure will not give you that important control over your vehicle, so keep those tires pumped up before hitting the road in heavy rain. The Consumer Reports tire pressure guide recommends checking your tire pressure at least once a month and always before long trips in wet weather.

Be aware of how fog works

Sometimes when it rains, fog can roll in before or after the rain begins to fall. This is because rain tends to make the air cooler, which can cause fog to develop as it forms. The bad thing about foggy conditions is that it can be difficult to see other vehicles, so there is more room for error when driving. The National Weather Service advises drivers to use low-beam headlights — not high beams — in foggy conditions, as high beams reflect off the fog and further reduce visibility.

Try to keep your speed low

You should drive slower, especially on wet roads, where the moisture makes them even more unsafe for any type of fast driving. When driving during inclement weather, stay in the lane that has the most traffic and make sure that you maintain a reduced, controlled speed. The Federal Highway Administration recommends reducing your speed by at least 5 to 10 mph below the posted speed limit on wet roads to account for increased stopping distances. If you get in an accident, don’t panic — remember that you’re insured. If someone cuts you off, use your horn to alert them. Focusing on the road and maintaining safe following distances are your best defenses in wet conditions.

Speed management is the single most controllable factor in rain-related crashes. Every 10 mph you reduce your speed on a wet road can cut your risk of losing control by nearly a third, yet surveys consistently show that most drivers do not adjust their speed at all when it starts to rain,

says Marcus J. Holloway, M.S., Certified Traffic Safety Professional and Director of Driver Risk Programs at the National Safety Council.

Watch out for the occasionally hidden puddles

Some rainstorms can produce a lot of small, hidden puddles that drivers may not expect. Make sure you watch out for these and avoid making contact with any of them. They can cause some serious damage to your vehicle if they get big enough. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns that just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, and 12 inches can sweep away a small vehicle — a reminder that even seemingly shallow roadway puddles can pose a real threat.

Do not use cruise control while driving in the rain

In wet conditions, cruise control systems will have less effect than normal, which could increase your chances of having an accident due to the lack of proper driver focus. On low traction surfaces, cruise control increases the chances of hydroplaning and may cause the vehicle to skid or even spin. The National Safety Council specifically recommends disabling cruise control any time road surfaces are wet, icy, or slippery.

Manual transmission cars can have problems when they have an oil or water leak, but you don’t need to change your oil or get it checked if it’s under warranty. If there’s a mechanical problem, go to your nearest dealership where they’ll fix it.

Rain is one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States, which can be both dangerous and hard to avoid. According to the Federal Highway Administration’s weather and road safety data, every year on average 875 people are killed in rain-related accidents and 2.6 million are injured as a result. Drivers usually encounter rain during their commute to work, while driving on highways, or while waiting at lights, so it’s important to know how rain affects your visibility on the road. The key is to stay focused on the road and be cautious so that nothing bad happens to you or your car.

Rain Driving Risk Factor	Recommended Action	Key Statistic
Reduced visibility from rain	Use wipers; replace blades every 6 months	Wet pavement involved in 70% of weather-related crashes (FHWA)
Hydroplaning from underinflated tires	Maintain proper tire pressure; check monthly	Hydroplaning risk begins at 35 mph with low tire pressure (NHTSA)
Increased stopping distance	Reduce speed 5–10 mph below posted limit	Stopping distance increases up to 50% on wet roads (Texas A&M TTI)
Loss of control with cruise control	Disable cruise control on all wet surfaces	Cruise control raises hydroplaning risk on low-traction roads (NSC)
Fog combined with rain	Use low-beam headlights only; reduce speed	6 inches of moving water can sweep away a pedestrian (FEMA)
Hidden road puddles	Scan ahead; avoid puddles of unknown depth	12 inches of moving water can sweep away a small vehicle (FEMA)
Poor headlight function	Replace bulbs regularly; keep lenses clean	Properly functioning lights are critical in low-visibility conditions (NHTSA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important thing to do when driving in the rain?

Slow down and increase your following distance. Wet roads reduce tire grip and significantly extend stopping distances — up to 50% longer than on dry pavement — so reducing speed and leaving extra space between vehicles is the single most effective way to stay safe in the rain.

How fast should you drive in the rain?

You should drive at least 5 to 10 mph below the posted speed limit in rainy conditions. On heavily flooded roads or during severe storms, slowing down even further is advisable. The Federal Highway Administration recommends adjusting speed based on road conditions, not just posted limits.

Does rain increase the risk of a car accident?

Yes, significantly. Rain is one of the leading causes of weather-related accidents in the United States. According to Federal Highway Administration data, wet pavement contributes to nearly 70% of all weather-related crashes, resulting in approximately 875 deaths and 2.6 million injuries per year.

What causes hydroplaning and how can you prevent it?

Hydroplaning occurs when a tire encounters more water than it can disperse, causing the vehicle to ride on a thin film of water rather than the road surface. It can begin at speeds as low as 35 mph with underinflated tires. Prevent it by maintaining proper tire pressure, reducing speed in wet conditions, and avoiding cruise control on wet roads.

Should you use cruise control when driving in the rain?

No. You should always disable cruise control when driving on wet roads. Cruise control reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to changing traction conditions and can increase the risk of hydroplaning. The National Safety Council recommends turning it off any time road surfaces are wet or slippery.

How often should windshield wiper blades be replaced?

Wiper blades should be replaced at least every 6 months, or sooner if they leave streaks, skip across the windshield, or make squeaking noises. AAA recommends inspecting them before the rainy season each year and keeping a spare set in your vehicle.

Is it safe to drive through a flooded road or deep puddle?

No — it is rarely safe to drive through flooded sections of road. FEMA warns that just 12 inches of moving water can sweep away a small vehicle. Even standing puddles of unknown depth can damage your engine, brakes, and electrical systems. When in doubt, turn around and find an alternate route.

What should you do if your car starts to hydroplane?

Stay calm and do not slam the brakes. Ease off the accelerator gently and steer straight or slightly in the direction you want to go. As your tires regain traction with the road surface, you will regain control. Sudden steering or hard braking during hydroplaning can cause the vehicle to spin.

Do headlights need to be on when it rains?

Yes. Most U.S. states legally require headlights to be on whenever windshield wipers are in use. Beyond the legal requirement, NHTSA notes that functioning headlights are critical in low-visibility conditions because they help other drivers see your vehicle, not just help you see the road ahead.

How does fog interact with rain and what should drivers do?

Rain cools the air and can cause fog to form before, during, or after a storm. In foggy conditions, use low-beam headlights only — high beams reflect off fog particles and reduce visibility further. The National Weather Service recommends reducing speed significantly and increasing following distance whenever fog is present alongside rain.