Wet roads can be dangerous, especially in the spring, when rain, melting snow, and lingering debris from winter create slick and unpredictable driving conditions.

Wet surfaces can result in bad falls for pedestrians, and they pose serious risks for drivers too. As spring brings rain, possibly melting snow, and definitely unpredictable weather, slippery roads can increase the chance of accidents if you’re not prepared.

Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe when driving on wet and slick roads this spring.

Why Are Wet Roads Dangerous?

Wet roads can cause car accidents in a number of ways:

1. Reduced visibility: Heavy rain can make it difficult for drivers to see the road. They might fail to notice other vehicles, pedestrians, and road hazards. Rain can also cause a glare from headlights, significantly reducing visibility.

2. Reduced traction: Rain and snow can make road surfaces very slippery. This reduces the traction of tires and increases the risk of skidding or hydroplaning.

3. Longer braking distances: It takes longer for vehicles to stop completely on wet and slippery roads. This means drivers might not be able to brake quickly enough to avoid a road accident.

4. Increased probability of hydroplaning: Hydroplaning occurs when water accumulates between the road surface and a vehicle’s tires, making the tires lose their grip on the road. The low traction prevents drivers from keeping their vehicles under control.

5. Flooding: Flash floods caused by heavy rainfall create dangerous road conditions for drivers. Drivers face serious danger from flood waters since vehicles can be quickly swept away if the current is strong enough. Water exposure can also result in serious damage to both the engine and electrical systems of a vehicle.

6. Wind: Strong winds combined with rainstorms cause vehicles to lose balance. This increases the possibility of road accidents.

Tips For Driving Safely in Wet Weather

Here are some driving tips to help you stay safe on wet and slippery roads:

Check Your Vehicle

Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before starting your journey. Here are some important vehicle checks to perform:

1. Check your tire’s treads: It’s important to check your tires to ensure they have adequate tread depth. When tires become worn out, they skid more easily and make it much more difficult to control your vehicle. The ‘penny test’ helps you determine the depth of your tire treads. Insert a penny into the tread. If you are able to see the top part of Lincoln’s head, it means your tire treads are worn out.

2. Check the tire pressure: When temperatures drop, your tire air volume decreases, leading to lower tire pressure. Underinflated tires present a driving hazard because they decrease traction when driving on slippery roads. Maintain proper tire safety by routinely inspecting and modifying their pressure levels.

3. Inspect your brakes: Faulty or worn-out brakes can make it harder to stop your vehicle quickly in an emergency. Therefore, you should have your brakes checked and adjusted by a professional mechanic before you hit the road.

4. New Wiper Blades for a Clear View: Most drivers don’t check their wiper blades until heavy rain hits. Old or worn-out wipers can leave streaks or fail to clear water properly, reducing visibility. So, ensure you check and replace your wipers before starting your journey.

5. Top Up Essential Fluids: Check and top up essential fluids before hitting the road. You want to keep your windshield washer fluid full to help clear leaves and debris from your windshield. Make sure your coolant and antifreeze levels are topped up — early spring mornings can still bring freezing temps in some areas. Lastly, maintain correct brake fluid levels to help your brakes function properly when driving on wet roads.

Avoid Driving Through Flowing Water

Driving through flowing water can be dangerous. The water can easily carry your vehicle, even if it’s shallow. In fact, water just above knee level can be powerful enough to move a car, and deeper water has an even greater risk.

Also, don’t take the risk of driving through stagnant water since you can’t predict the depth of it. Stagnant water can also hide road hazards such as debris and potholes, increasing the risk of an accident.

Turn Off Cruise Control

You should avoid using cruise control when driving on wet and slippery roads. Using cruise control keeps your vehicle at a steady speed but reduces your ability to respond quickly to unexpected changes in road conditions. Therefore, ensure cruise control is deactivated to enable manual speed adjustments for varying road conditions.

Avoid Distractions

Driving in wet conditions requires your full attention. So avoid distractions such as eating, texting, or adjusting your radio. Only stay focused on the task at hand: driving and getting to your destination safely.

You should also avoid driving when tired or drowsy, as it reduces focus and decreases your reaction time. To stay safe, get enough sleep before driving, and take breaks when going on long trips.

Safely Handle Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning results from water build-up on the road surface, which causes car tires to lose their grip on the road. You know you’re hydroplaning if the steering suddenly feels light or when you don’t feel the road. Follow these safety precautions when your vehicle experiences hydroplaning.

1. Don’t brake or accelerate suddenly.
2. Hold the steering firmly and steer straight.
3. Slowly remove your foot from the gas pedal until you have control over your vehicle.

Know When to Stop

Avoid driving in extremely bad weather conditions. Reaching your destination late is better than risking your life driving in bad weather. Activate your hazard lights and move your vehicle as far from the road as possible to prevent collisions with other vehicles.

Plan Ahead

Always look at weather forecasts before you begin your trip. Checking weather forecasts lets you avoid hazardous weather situations. You should also plan different routes in advance to avoid getting stuck in unknown areas.

Drive Safely on Wet and Slippery Roads

Wet roads create dangerous driving conditions. But you can stay safe by following the appropriate safety precautions, lowering your speed, and staying alert for potential road safety hazards. You also want to check your vehicle to ensure it functions correctly and plan ahead of time to avoid hazardous weather conditions.