4 Tips for Driving in Rain in Arizona

It doesn’t rain a lot here but it only takes 1/12th an inch of rain and 35 mph to hydroplane and causes the loss of control of your vehicle.

Defensive driving

1. Turn your headlights on

Night or Day, keep your headlights on while driving in rain. In many states, laws require headlights during rain or whenever visibility is less than 1000 feet. That is about a quarter of a mile or three and one-third football fields. 

2. Awesome tires,  Newer breaks, and wipers

  • Bare tires are dangerous. Keep your traction at top performance. Maintain relatively new tires with deep tread. Or, get some all-weather tires. This should help if you hydroplane. 
  • Get regular brake inspections
  • Keep your windshield wiper blades ready for rainy days—before the rain comes. 

What to do if you hydroplane? 

  • Ease off the gas and continue driving steadily forward. 
  • Do not hit your breaks.

3. Don’t use your cruise control

Rainy weather demands your attention. Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and wear shoes.

If you hydroplane, cruise control can cause you to lose control. And, if you do hydroplane, the lack of traction may cause the cruise control to accelerate. 

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4. Drive smarter

Smart people adjust their strategy around changing conditions. Weather is one of those things. Driving in the rain or any inclement weather be careful and pull back: 

  • Keep your distance. You never know when the person ahead of you will spin out. 
  • Do not tailgate—especially in limited visibility. 
  • Slow down. Take corners slower. 
  • Be patient. Expect extra traffic. 

A defensive driving class will help train you for dangerous driving conditions. Techniques and car maintenance keep you smarter on the road, whether driving in rain or any conditions