Driving in The Rain Tips: How to Stay Confident on Wet Roads

A common fixture in the UK, any Brit should expect to face some rain when driving. However, this weather shouldn’t be underestimated as according to the Met Office, 9 out of 10 weather-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads occur during rainfall. And in 2023, there were 171.5 days in which 1 mm or more of rain fell, making the rain a frequent foe for drivers around the country.

The roads across the UK can be affected by many types of adverse weather, particularly in winter, when snow, ice, heavy rain, and strong winds create difficult driving conditions. And this can knock our confidence in our driving, as new research from Group 1 Automotive has found that only 57% of motorists feel assured when driving in these conditions – a figure that drops to 41% when looking at female drivers. 

As such, the team here at Group 1 Automotive have shared information and tips on driving in the rain to help Brits tackle this common weather. Read more below:

Is it Illegal to Splash Pedestrians?

We’ve all probably caught a glimpse of a car splashing a pedestrian before, or for some of us, we may have taken the brunt of it ourselves. Maybe you’ve even thought it could be a funny, harmless prank to play when driving on a wet road. But did you know you can actually get fined for splashing pedestrians with your car?

Our new survey revealed that a huge 5.5 million (1 in 9) motorists admit to deliberately driving through puddles to splash pedestrians*, with nearly a third of drivers (33%) unaware that they could be penalised for this action.

Interestingly, Gen Z drivers were revealed as the most likely age group to admit to this, with a startling one-third (33%) admitting to intentionally splashing pedestrians by driving through puddles. 

In line with the highway code, drivers who drive through puddles and splash pedestrians when driving in the rain can be prosecuted under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act for careless, inconsiderate, or aggressive driving. 

The penalty is typically three points added to your licence and a £100 fine, but this can increase to £1,000 if the case goes to court. So take care to drive carefully on any wet roads, and be sure that there aren’t any people in your potential splash zone if you're intent on going through puddles.

Driving Tips in The Rain

Our survey also found that only 57% of motorists feel assured when driving in heavy rain – showing a gap in drivers’ confidence when navigating wet weather conditions.

As well as this, female drivers in particular reported feeling less confident, with only 41% feeling comfortable driving in rainy conditions.

As such, our experts have detailed 5 driving tips in the rain – to boost your confidence and ensure your safety. Check them out below:

Tip #1 – Slow down and reduce your speed

There are many dangers of driving in the rain, and one of them is the impact on your stopping distance. Your car’s stopping distance in rain can double when on wet roads - especially in harsh weather conditions - so driving slower minimises the chance of losing traction or hydroplaning. 

Reducing your speed also allows you to maintain better control and reduces the risk of spraying water over pedestrians or other vehicles, although this should be avoided at all costs unless you want a costly fine, as mentioned above.

Tip #2 – Avoid puddles – if possible

As puddles tend to collect along the edges of the road, be sure you’re not driving too close to the kerb. Not only will this prevent splashing, but it also protects your vehicle from hidden potholes or debris.

If you are driving through water – especially deep water – you must be aware of the potential damages your car could face. Even as little as 30 cm of water can float a car, so it's best to be safe and drive around if possible. Water can enter the engine compartment and contaminate critical fluids your vehicle needs, such as engine oil.

After going through a body of water, no matter how small, you should always test your brakes to ensure they’re still responsive. Getting them wet will make them less effective, which can be a safety hazard.

If you feel your brakes aren’t responding to you like they usually do, pull over once it’s safe to do so and gently press on the brakes. This generates heat, which helps evaporate any water on the brake pads and rotors, restoring full braking power.

Tip #3 – Steer and brake gently

Make gradual steering movements and apply the brakes gently to prevent skidding. If your vehicle begins to skid, steer in the direction of the skid and avoid slamming on your brakes.

Driving too fast for the conditions, even if within the speed limit, could be considered careless driving. Under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you can be penalised for driving without due care and attention, which includes failing to adapt your braking and steering to wet conditions.

Tip #4 – Use your headlights and wipers

Turn on your headlights to increase visibility for both you and other drivers, and ensure your windshield wipers are functioning to keep your view clear. Dipped headlights should be used in these conditions - you should avoid using full beams as they can reflect off the rain, causing glare and reducing visibility further for you and other drivers.

In the UK, it's a legal requirement to use your headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, typically defined as being able to see less than 100 metres ahead. Failure to use appropriate lights or maintain functional wipers can lead to penalties, such as a fine or points on your licence, under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 and other safety laws.

Tip #5 – Stay alert 

Rain can significantly reduce your visibility when driving, and will increase the likelihood of hazards, such as slick, wet roads or other vehicles losing control. In adverse driving conditions it’s important to stay focused, avoid using your phone, and keep both hands on the wheel.

Distractions, such as using a mobile phone or eating, are particularly dangerous, especially in poor weather. Rain increases the likelihood of unexpected hazards, such as pedestrians stepping onto the road or vehicles stopping suddenly.

In addition to this, using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal in the UK under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This includes any use of the phone, even when stopped at traffic lights. If you’re found to break this law, it could result in a fine of £200 and six points on your licence, and in more serious cases, this could lead to a driving ban.

Images

Image 1 –  by Ryan Porter on Unsplash

Image 2 – by Pixabay on Pexels

Image 3 – by Lucas Pezeta on Pexels