8 Things You Should Know Before Driving in the Rain

Storms can arrive fast and with fury, and it’s common to be in the car when one begins. If the rain starts and you’re in the middle of going from point A to point B, here are 8 things you should know when driving through the weather conditions.

1. Avoid puddles and potholes.
Sandbox policyholders have experienced instances of potholes being be hidden underneath deep water and causing damage to their tires. Don’t let this happen to you! Go around them if it’s safe to do so, or decrease your speed almost to a stop if you have to go through.

2. Slow down.
The chances of sliding significantly increase when roads are wet, so don’t speed and go at a pace that’s safe for you and other drivers.

3. Eliminate in-car distractions.
This includes distracted driving like the use of a mobile phone, spending too much time deciding on a radio station, or anything that deters your attention from the road. Being as focused as possible is key when navigating through the rain.

4. Keep a safe following distance.
There should be a minimum of a full car length between you and the vehicle ahead of you. If the car in front of you starts to slide or has to come to a sudden, complete stop, give yourself enough reaction time.

5. Be seen by other drivers.
Daytime running lights aren’t always enough. By turning on your headlights, tail lights, or fog lights, you can be sure that other drivers can spot you in the storm.

6. Turn off cruise control.
If you’re on the highway, being able to ease off the accelerator in case you start to skid is important; however, when you’re using cruise control, you can’t decrease your acceleration; you can only brake. Turn off your cruise control right away if it starts to rain.

7. Have working-order wiper blades.
If your wiper blades are leaving streaks on your windshield, the frames are bent or damaged, or you're hearing too much squeaking, be sure to replace them so you can navigate through the rain.

8. Don’t be afraid to pull over.
If the rain turns into a heavy storm, turn your hazard lights on, pull over where it is safe to do so, and put your vehicle in park.

These are just a few precautions you can take while driving in the rain. Knowing them like the back of your hand will help you and other drivers stay safe. Visit our Auto Insurance page on our website for more details on how you can insure your ride for protection against weather damage.

Please note that the information in this article may not accurately reflect your insurance policy from Sandbox Mutual Insurance or another insurance company. Please refer to your policy or talk to your broker about your specific coverages.