According to the Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT FHA), an average of 5,748,000 traffic collisions occur each year, and nearly 1,259,000 of them are weather-related (rain, snow , ice, etc.); 73% on wet pavement and 46% during rain. So it is no wonder that this generation of licensed drivers is finally beginning to understand the seriousness of staying safe and alert while driving in adverse weather conditions. If you are not comfortable driving in wet weather, or if you have a teenage driver in your home, it will be helpful to go over the 3 critical tips for driving in wet weather below. Read on to do just that!

Routine maintenance and care

The most effective method of keeping your vehicle safe to operate and reliable in all conditions is routine maintenance. Most car maintenance should be done by a licensed mechanic, as they have the knowledge and equipment to do it professionally. But there are many things you can do on your own to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top condition. This includes windshield washer and fluid replacement, coolant refills, tire inspections, light inspections, proper fuel selection, and more.

Your car owner’s manual will have the factory scheduled maintenance plan and guidelines specific to your make and model of vehicle. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, just download one for free online. Things like fluid discharges and refills, brake inspections and pad replacement, tire tread checks and pressure inspections, tire rotations and balances, and more are professional services that can dramatically increase your safety while drive in wet weather.

Do not use the cruise control

Most cars these days come with cruise control settings. However, it is strongly recommended that you only use cruise control when driving a long distance on a highway, on a clear, dry day. You should also avoid using cruise control at night, even in good weather. Since wet roads and windshields can cause a vehicle to react differently in sudden circumstances, it is not safe to have it set to cruise. You want to be able to drive defensively in the event of an unexpected obstruction, a pedestrian, or a vehicle.

Drive slower and make room

In drivers’ education, you were taught to keep a car’s distance between you and the vehicle in front of you while on the road. And in dry, clear conditions, this rule is excellent; But to drive in wet weather, you need to slow down a bit and keep more distance than you normally would. Wet roads and tires make vehicles take longer to come to a complete stop, and sudden stops in wet weather can cause cars to lose control or skid. While driving in wet weather, take your time, slow down, and keep a distance of at least 2 cars in front of you.

Statistical source: FHWA