George Hohnsbehn
Sales & Safety Manager
If you’ve been in the Puget Sound area for more than five minutes, you know rainy weather isn’t going anywhere. But even folks who’ve lived here their whole lives can get a little too comfortable behind the wheel when the roads are slick. And let’s be real—rain and overconfidence don’t mix.
With heavy rain in the forecast this week, now’s the perfect time for a refresher on staying safe out there—whether you’re commuting for work or just heading out and about.
Why Rainy Roads Put You at Risk
Rain doesn’t just make the roads wet—it messes with visibility, stopping distance, and overall control of your vehicle. Wet pavement accounts for about 70% of weather-related crashes in the U.S. every year. That’s thousands of accidents that could be avoided with a little extra caution. And let’s be honest—how often do you really think about how rain affects your drive?
When those first raindrops start to fall, the road surfaces become slipperier than they look. Oil and grime that have been building up during dry weather mix with the rain, creating an ultra-slick layer that seriously reduces traction. This effect is especially dangerous during the first 10 to 15 minutes of rainfall—so when it starts coming down, it’s a good idea to slow down and take it easy.
And that’s not all. Heavy rain can create puddles and standing water, which increases your chances of hydroplaning. Plus, be mindful of low visibility, especially at night when headlights can reflect off the wet roads, making it harder to spot lane markings or other vehicles. Even light rain can impact how far you can stop in time, and foggy conditions often roll in with the rain, making it even tougher to see.
Rainy Day Driving Checklist: Are You Ready?
- Tires: Good tread depth is key to avoiding hydroplaning. Bald tires + rain = no bueno. And don’t forget to check your tire pressure—cold weather and rain can mess with it, affecting grip.
- Brakes: Wet roads mean longer stopping distances, so make sure your brakes are in top shape. If your car’s pulling to one side or you’re hearing squeaks, it’s time to get them checked out.
- Windshield Wipers: If your wipers leave streaks, they need replacing. You don’t want to find that out mid-storm.
💡 Pro tip: Consider using water-repellent treatments to help with visibility.
- Headlights & Taillights: Rain makes it harder to see, and harder for others to see you. Make sure your lights are working and don’t forget to turn them on, even during the day.
- Defrosters: Foggy windows are a real hazard. Test your defrosters and keep a microfiber cloth in the car for quick window wipes if you need them.
- Emergency Kit: Always have the essentials—flashlight, extra wipers, first-aid kit, and a rain poncho. Bonus: A towel for drying off before you clock in can really come in handy!
Slow Down—It’s Not Just About the Speed Limit
It might sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised how often people forget this in the rain: drive slower. Speed limits are set for dry roads, not wet ones. When it’s rainy, your usual pace just won’t cut it.
- Early morning drivers, listen up: the roads are at their slickest when the sun’s still hiding. Give yourself a little extra time to get where you’re going so you’re not rushing and taking unnecessary risks.
- Wet pavement: Moving fast at work doesn’t always translate well when you’re behind the wheel. On wet pavement, take it easy and don’t push your luck.
- Heavy vehicles—you know who you are. If you’re driving one, it takes you longer to stop. If you’re driving near one, give ‘em extra space. If they need to slam on the brakes, you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of room for them to stop safely.
Did you know? At 60 mph on dry pavement, a car needs about 240 feet to stop. In the rain, that distance can increase by 50% or more. That’s the length of a football field! Slowing down by just 5-10 mph in rainy conditions could be the difference between a safe stop and a dangerous skid.
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Explore JobsContact Our TeamGive Yourself More Space on Wet & Rainy Roads
On dry roads, a three-second following distance is the standard. But when it’s wet out, that’s just not enough. Double it up to at least six seconds. That extra time gives you a buffer to react if the car in front of you stops suddenly or if road conditions change unexpectedly.
- Give yourself some space: Whether you’re driving a compact car or a heavy-duty vehicle, you need room to maneuver. Don’t crowd the car ahead of you—especially when traffic slows down suddenly. Space is your friend.
- Late-night commuters, beware: If you’re heading home after your shift, remember that not everyone is being cautious in the rain. Some drivers might be pushing their luck, so stay sharp and keep your distance. It’s always safer to be the cautious driver.
- Rain or shine, no tailgating: When you’re tailgating, you’re basically giving up any reaction time you might have. In rainy weather, that’s a recipe for trouble, since it takes longer to stop. Give yourself plenty of room to react if things go sideways.
- Brake gently and early: When you notice the car ahead of you slowing down, start braking gently and earlier than you normally would. This helps prevent that sudden stop on wet roads, which can be tricky to recover from.
- Mind the big trucks: Large vehicles can block your view of the road ahead. Give them more space so you can react if they suddenly stop or change lanes. They also kick up a lot of spray, which makes it harder to see.
- Don’t rely on cruise control: In wet weather, cruise control can be a little too relaxed when you need to react quickly. Keep full control over your vehicle so you can adjust to whatever the road throws at you.
- Use your mirrors frequently: When it’s rainy, visibility is cut down, so check your mirrors more often to stay aware of what’s going on behind you. If someone’s tailgating you, this extra awareness can help you avoid a risky situation.
One simple way to track your following distance: pick a stationary object up ahead (like a sign, tree, or light pole). Once the car in front of you passes it, start counting: one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi… If you pass that object before you hit six Mississippi, you’re too close and need to back off.
By giving yourself more space, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding accidents, especially when the roads are wet and slippery. This extra cushion can be a game-changer in keeping you safe on your commute.
How to Avoid Hydroplaning in the Rain
Hydroplaning happens when your tires lose contact with the road and start sliding on a layer of water. It can be a pretty scary feeling, but staying calm is key. If you start to hydroplane:
- Ease off the gas—don’t slam the brakes!
- Steer gently in the direction you want to go.
- Wait it out—your tires will grab the road again soon.
Be extra careful around spots where water tends to collect, like loading docks and industrial zones. Puddles can pop up fast, and hydroplaning can happen even at 35 mph if there’s enough water.
Rain doesn’t just make roads wet—it can cause water to build up in grooves and dips, creating more chances for hydroplaning in places you might not expect. So, keep an eye out for those puddles, especially during heavy rain.
Turn Your Headlights On – Even in the Daylight
When it’s raining, your headlights aren’t just there for you—they’re there for everyone else on the road. Even if it’s daytime, turning them on in bad weather can make a huge difference in how easily other drivers spot you.
- Trucking & Diesel Industry Pros: We know how hard it can be to see through the windshield of a big rig in a downpour. Make sure your headlights are on so drivers around you can see you coming.
- Check Your Automatic Headlights: If your car has automatic headlights, they might not always kick on when it’s raining. Give ‘em a quick check to make sure they’re on, especially when the weather’s bad.
- Parking Lights Won’t Cut It: Those little parking lights aren’t bright enough for driving in the rain. Use your headlights to make sure you’re visible and keep everyone safe.
Bottom line: Your headlights aren’t just about seeing the road better—they’re about making sure everyone else sees you too.
Skip Cruise Control When Roads Are Slick
Cruise control’s a nice little perk when the roads are dry, but when it’s wet? Not so much. In rainy conditions, it can actually make things worse by increasing your chances of hydroplaning and making it harder to regain control of your vehicle.
Here’s why: On slippery roads, cruise control tries to keep your car at a steady speed—even if your tires start losing traction. This could cause your car to keep accelerating, even when the wheels are slipping, which makes it a lot harder to steer and react in time. You might not even feel it until it’s too late.
The safest way to drive in rainy conditions is to keep your foot ready to adjust your speed as conditions change. That way, if things get sketchy, you can react fast, slow down, or speed up as needed. It’s all about staying in control when the road’s not cooperating.
Leave Earlier – Wet Roads Mean Slow Traffic
Rainy weather messes with traffic, makes accidents more likely, and adds delays you can’t always predict. That’s why giving yourself extra time before hitting the road is key to staying safe—and not getting tempted to speed or make risky moves.
- The early shift: Mornings are always busy, and wet roads can double your commute time. Set your alarm 10–15 minutes earlier to avoid rushing.
- After a late shift? Fatigue and frustration can make you want to speed. A few extra minutes in your schedule can make all the difference between getting home safe—or not at all.
- Before hitting the road: Check traffic apps or news for real-time updates. You might avoid accidents or road closures, which will help you make better choices and get to work safely.
- Parking: Avoid parking on steep hills or near puddles. It’ll make getting in and out of your spot a lot safer, especially in bad weather.
- Got a long drive ahead? Take breaks when you need to, especially if the rain’s coming down hard. A quick stretch or coffee can keep you sharp on the road.
- Dropping off kids or pets: Plan extra time for those short trips, too. Wet roads can make even quick drives take longer, so don’t rush.
Ever notice how traffic seems to slow down way more when it rains? It’s not your imagination—cautious drivers slow down, fender-benders back up lanes, and emergency responders take longer to clear things up. Plus, wet roads mean longer stopping distances, so there’s a higher chance of rear-end accidents. By leaving earlier, you give yourself a buffer to handle unexpected slowdowns. This extra time not only reduces stress but also allows you to make safer decisions—like braking gradually instead of slamming the brakes, or taking an alternate route instead of weaving through traffic. A little planning goes a long way toward ensuring you arrive safely.
How Employers Can Keep Workers Safe in Bad Weather
Bad weather doesn’t just slow down traffic—it can throw a wrench in your whole operation. As an employer, you can help keep your team safe and on schedule with a few smart moves:
- Send Weather Alerts: A quick text or email can remind employees to drive safe, watch for slick roads, and stay updated on traffic issues. A little heads-up can go a long way.
- Offer Flexible Start Times: If heavy rain is in the forecast, let employees shift their start times. Less pressure to rush means safer roads and a less stressed-out team.
- Keep Parking Lots Safe: Make sure your lot drains properly, is well-lit, and has clear markings. Puddles and poor visibility aren’t just annoying—they can be dangerous.
- Encourage Carpooling & Transit: Fewer cars on the road mean less congestion and fewer accidents. Offering closer parking for carpools or discounted transit passes makes it an easier choice.
- Provide Emergency Support: Give employees a backup plan. Whether it’s roadside assistance, a list of local tow services, or just knowing they won’t be penalized for a late arrival due to weather, a little support goes a long way.
A fender-bender on the way to work doesn’t just mess up someone’s day—it can throw off the whole shift. Taking a few extra steps to help your team get to work safely keeps things running smoothly for everyone.
Stay Safe & Smart on Rainy Roads
Driving in the rain isn’t complicated, but it does take a little extra care. Slick roads, low visibility, and sudden puddles can turn an easy drive into a tricky one if you’re not paying attention.
Slow down and give yourself space. Wet roads mean longer stopping distances, and even a little water can send you sliding if you’re moving too fast.
Keep your car ready for rainy weather. Good tires, working wipers, and strong brakes make all the difference when conditions get rough. A little maintenance now can keep you out of trouble later.
Getting there safe is what really matters. No job, appointment, or errand is worth the risk of pushing too hard in bad weather. A few extra minutes can be the difference between a close call and an accident.
At the end of the day, it’s all about making smart choices so you—and everyone else on the road—get home safe. Drive smart, stay sharp, and look out for each other out there!
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