Motorists face the prospect of being caught up in a severe crash whilst navigating through rainfall if they neglect to activate one essential function. Wintry conditions can prove exceptionally hazardous and figures from the Met Office reveal that nine out of 10 weather-related fatalities and serious injuries on Britain’s roads occur during wet weather.
Nevertheless, one method by which you can dramatically decrease the likelihood of an accident occurring is by simply switching on your dipped headlights when visibility becomes seriously compromised. As a general rule, it is recommended to activate your dipped headlights when you cannot see beyond 100 metres ahead of you.
This enables you to observe more clearly when you would otherwise struggle to do so, giving you additional time to identify and respond to a danger on the carriageway appropriately. This proves particularly crucial in weather circumstances such as torrential rain, mist, and snow.
Likewise, rule 226 of the Highway Code declares: “You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.”
Key hazards when driving in the rain
Floods
Should rain become sufficiently intense, you may come across a waterlogged road during your trip.
It is strongly recommended to never attempt to drive through flooding, as this actually represents the leading cause of death during flood events, according to the Met Office. Moreover, while a body of water may appear shallow, it only takes 30 centimetres of moving water to float your car away.
This can subsequently force the car into a deeper part of water from which you may need rescuing.
Trying to navigate through a flooded section of the road can also wreak havoc on the internals of your car. For instance, just a small amount of water equivalent to an egg-cupful being sucked into your car’s engine can cause significant damage.
Hydroplaning
Aquaplaning, otherwise known as hydroplaning, is a perilous event that happens when a layer of water accumulates between the tyres of your car and the surface of the road. If this occurs, you can completely lose control of your car and drastically increase the risk of being involved in a collision.
Your car is generally at risk of aquaplaning when you drive through large puddles or during heavy rainfall at high speeds. If you are driving and you find your vehicle is suddenly aquaplaning, there are a few things you can do to help minimise the loss of control.
Firstly, you should not brake or accelerate too hard. Instead, ease off the accelerator and hold the steering wheel straight. Once you begin regaining control of the car, you should start to brake and reduce your speed.
Pedestrians
When driving on public roads during rainfall, it’s crucial to remain vigilant for pedestrians who may step out into the road unexpectedly. Additionally, drivers should endeavour to avoid splashing pedestrians near puddles, as this can be deemed as careless driving, potentially leading to a fine and penalty points on your licence.