After the wildfires in California came the rain. Since it’s always sunny in Southern California driving in the rain can be a bit unexpected for many drivers. Here are Safe Driving Tips for Rainy Weather.

1. Slow Down: Rain significantly reduces the traction between your tires and the road, making it easier to lose control. By reducing your speed, you allow more time for your vehicle to respond to changes in road conditions or unexpected obstacles. Speeding in the rain increases the risk of hydroplaning and reduces your ability to stop in time if something unexpected happens.

2. Increase Following Distance: Normally, a safe following distance might be three to four seconds in dry conditions. In the rain, you should double this to six to eight seconds. This extra space gives you more reaction time if the car ahead of you suddenly stops or skids. It also reduces the chance of rear-ending someone if you hydroplane or if visibility is poor.

3. Check Your Tires: Tires with worn-out treads can’t displace water effectively, leading to hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between the tires and the road, causing loss of steering control. The penny test involves inserting a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head upside down; if you can see the top of his head, the tread is too low. Good tread depth is crucial for maintaining grip on wet roads.

4. Turn on Your Headlights: Visibility is often compromised in rainy conditions due to glare, spray from other vehicles, and general murkiness. Headlights not only help you see better but make you more visible to others. Many places require headlights when the wipers are in use, which also serves as a reminder to increase caution.

5. Avoid Using Cruise Control: Cruise control can be dangerous in wet conditions because it might keep your speed constant even when you should slow down, like on slippery patches or when approaching standing water. If your tires lose traction, the system might accelerate to maintain speed, potentially leading to loss of control.

6. Beware of Hydroplaning: Hydroplaning can feel like the car is floating or sliding. If it happens, the key is to gently ease off the accelerator rather than panicking or braking hard, which could lock your wheels. If you need to adjust your course, do it gently to help the tires regain contact with the road.

7. Use Defoggers: Rain can cause your windows to fog up from the inside due to the temperature difference between the wet air outside and the warm air inside. Effective use of defoggers (both front and rear) keeps your visibility clear. Sometimes, slightly opening windows can also help by circulating fresh air, reducing humidity inside the car.

8. Avoid Puddles: Puddles might seem harmless but can hide potholes or be deeper than they appear, leading to loss of control or wheel damage. If possible, navigate around them. If you must drive through water, do so slowly and check afterward if your brakes are functioning properly by gently applying them.

9. Inspect Your Wipers: Good wiper blades are essential for maintaining clear vision. If your wipers streak, skip, or leave water on the windshield, it’s time for replacement. Driving with impaired visibility is almost as dangerous as driving blind.

10. Stay in the Middle Lanes: Water tends to gather on the edges of roads due to runoff from the center. Middle lanes are generally drier and safer during heavy rain. However, always be aware of your surroundings, as traffic patterns and road conditions can vary.

Following these detailed tips can significantly reduce the risks associated with driving in rainy conditions, ensuring safer travel for you and others on the road.