Teenage Driver Tips for Driving in the Rain

Rainy Conditions Mean Extra Attention to Defensive Driving Skills

Sep 25, 2009 Mary King

The dangers of driving increase tenfold when the roads are wet. Teens behind the wheel can play it safe by slowing down, avoiding risks & paying attention to hazards.

Teenagers learn to drive when the weather is favorable, but very few get practice time behind the wheel in adverse conditions. An inexperienced teen in the driver's seat during a rainstorm puts other drivers at risk as well as any nearby pedestrians. The more time a teenager spends on the road with a parent or other responsible licensed adult, the better it is for everyone.

Rain Causes Dangerous Driving Hazards

Experienced drivers know all too well that driving in wet weather is no picnic. Teenagers driving for the very first time in a rainstorm find the thrilling adventure is not so exciting when the road suddenly gets slippery – and a lot more dangerous. To make driving in the rain safer, turn on the headlights, plan more time to reach the desired destination, and observe safety measures professional drivers use:

Turn on lights and wipers, and slow down immediately when it starts to rain. Rainwater mixes with dirt and oil, making the road surface slick.
Increase following distance. Extend the 2-second rule to 3 or 4 seconds, allowing plenty of stopping distance on slippery roads.
Know what's coming from behind. Allow even more stopping distance ahead if there is a truck, bus, or other large vehicle in the rear that may need extra stopping distance.
Pay attention to pedestrians trying to hurry across a street to get out of the rain.
In low visibility, be especially alert for school buses making frequent stops.
If the rain is too heavy or visibility is too poor, then pull off the road until it is safe to drive again.
The slow lane may not be the safest driving lane because of water buildup. Drive in a lane closer to the center line on multiple-lane roads.
Slow down to avoid hydroplaning (tires ride up on the water's surface, losing contact with the road.) and learn what to do if hydroplaning occurs.
Watch for other drivers' mistakes. Some people get nervous driving in inclement weather, and others just don't care. Still there are others that like to show off, plowing through standing water and drenching everything in both directions.
Be courteous. As hard as it may be when other drivers are careless or inconsiderate, show consideration for others on the road.
Watch out for traffic lights that may not be working after a bad storm. Watch for police officers that may be directing traffic. Treat intersections with no control as 4-way stops.
Stay alert for tree limbs, garbage, and other debris that might have blown onto the road. Watch for downed power lines after a storm with damaging winds.
Learn why it's not safe to use cruise control when driving in rainy weather.
Learn how to regain control if the car begins to skid.

Driving Through Deep Water can Cause Vehicle Damage

Modern vehicles have sophisticated computerized systems delicately balanced for optimal engine performance. Dousing the engine with water is like pouring a large bucket of water over a computer. Neither machine is going to work right afterward.

Don't try to drive through low-lying areas of standing water. It takes only 2 feet of water to float a car.
Stay away from unfamiliar roads with standing water. There could be deep potholes under the water's surface that can cause serious damage to tires and wheel structure.
If there is no alternative but to follow other cars through standing water, then wait until the car ahead has made it all the way through the water before attempting to follow. Drive through the water slowly and without braking if possible. (Braking could cause the vehicle to stall.) Out of the water, tap the brake pedal to dry the brakes.
Beware of splashing through standing water puddles. If water gets into the engine compartment it can cause damage to electrical circuits. Splashing another vehicle may temporarily blind the driver, causing an accident.

Responsible drivers make sure the vehicle equipment is in good condition. In addition to regular engine maintenance, new drivers are highly advised to learn how to check wiper blades and tires. Know how the defroster works in bad weather. Keep an emergency breakdown kit in the car and learn ahead of time how to use it. For families that belong to auto clubs, parents are advised to make sure teens know how to call for roadside assistance.

Teenagers that carry an operator's driver's license are considered old enough and responsible enough to safely operate a motor vehicle under all kinds of conditions and in all types of weather. Defensive driving is staying alert to constantly-changing conditions, and having a way out should trouble suddenly arise. Play it safe by playing it smart; know what to expect before getting behind the wheel of a car and know how to drive safely in all kinds of weather.

The copyright of the article Teenage Driver Tips for Driving in the Rain in Parenting Teens is owned by Mary King. Permission to republish Teenage Driver Tips for Driving in the Rain in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Defensive Drivers Stay Alert to Any Situation	Teens Learn to Drive Safely in the Rain	Teenage Drivers Experience Adverse Weather
Avoid Driving through Deep Water	Apply Safe Driving Tips in the Rain