Driving in rainy conditions becomes significantly more hazardous than many drivers realise. It's common for drivers to maintain their usual driving habits despite wet road surfaces. However, the DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority) warns that the risk of having an accident increases by up to 70% when it rains.
This alarming increase occurs because water reduces tyre grip and, consequently, vehicles require notably longer distances to stop. Despite knowing these facts, many drivers continue with the same automatic behaviours they use in dry conditions, which exponentially multiplies the possibility of accidents.
Faced with this reality, it's essential to modify certain driving habits to minimise danger. These aren't complicated manoeuvres but simple adjustments that are crucial for reacting correctly and even preventing incidents that could cost lives.
How rain affects grip and braking
Wet tarmac completely changes driving conditions. When the road is dry, the interaction between tyres and pavement allows optimal grip, making it possible to brake and turn effectively and safely. But when water is present, grip decreases significantly, meaning vehicles need a greater distance to stop.
Additionally, rain quickly and significantly reduces visibility, especially when it falls suddenly. This reduction affects the driver's ability to anticipate risks and, therefore, to react effectively. In these situations, many motorists commonly maintain a speed and driving style that are unsuitable for the actual road conditions.
Common errors when driving in rain
According to DGT recommendations, there are four priority actions that should be adopted when it rains: turning on dipped headlights, increasing windscreen wiper speed (particularly when overtaking), increasing the safety distance from the vehicle ahead, and using the heating to prevent windows from misting up. Although these seem like basic advice, it's surprising that they continue to be ignored by numerous drivers.
Correctly turning on lights improves visibility and makes your car visible to other road users, something vital on rainy days or in foggy episodes. Meanwhile, an appropriate windscreen wiper speed helps maintain clear vision through the windscreen, essential for safe driving.
Increasing the safety distance is a fundamental aspect: with rain, the space needed to brake is much greater, and not respecting this distance can become the cause of chain collisions, especially on fast roads. Regarding heating, its use reduces vapour condensation on windows, a factor that further diminishes visibility.
Importance of tyre condition and maintenance
A basic pillar of safety when driving in rain lies with the tyres, whose condition directly reflects safety. The importance of maintaining good tread, proper pressure, and replacing them when necessary is often underestimated. But these technical matters can make the difference between controlling the vehicle and losing it.
When tyres are worn or incorrectly inflated, their ability to evacuate water decreases drastically. This carries a high risk of aquaplaning, a serious phenomenon that occurs when a layer of water becomes trapped between the tyre and the tarmac, causing the vehicle to completely lose contact with the ground.
What is aquaplaning and how to react to it
Aquaplaning constitutes one of rain's most silent dangers. When it happens, the car stops responding to the steering wheel and continues moving in a straight line even if you're trying to turn. It's a critical loss of control that causes many crashes each year.
It's essential that drivers know how to react if this phenomenon occurs to avoid tragic consequences. The correct way is to firmly grip the steering wheel, avoid braking suddenly, and wait patiently for the wheels to regain grip. Only then should you proceed with a gentle correction of direction to resume the desired trajectory.
Often, poor responses to aquaplaning increase the danger: sudden braking or violent movements can aggravate the loss of control or cause the vehicle to roll over.