Tips for safer driving during rainfall and storms

Strategies for safer driving amidst rain and storms

Springtime has a mind of its own, blessing some parts of Germany with bright and sunny days while unleashing winds and rain in others. This makes for quite a challenging experience for anyone behind the wheel. Keeping focused is crucial when taking a spin through these unpredictable weather conditions.

Not so long ago, the sun was shining gloriously. The rain, however, has made a sudden and unwelcome appearance, sending tiny beads pelting on the windshield, making it hard for the wipers to catch up. If you're driving during rainy conditions with strong winds, you'll want to stay alert and keep a few tips in mind from the ADAC. First, avoid turning up the radio, as loud music or engaging in intense conversations could distract you. Next, make sure your hands stay firmly on the steering wheel.

Rain reduces visibility, so slow down and increase the distance between you and the car in front. Adjust the speed of your windshield wipers and activate your low-beam headlights. If conditions worsen, find a safe spot for a break – such as the right-hand lane on highways – and gently tap your hazard lights. If the weather forces you to slow down to a walking pace or exit, be sure to signal your intentions by turning on your hazards.

Wet and Wild

Autoclub cautions drivers to stay below 80 kilometers per hour in challenging weather to ward off aquaplaning. Aquaplaning occurs when tires can't displace rainwater and float, losing traction and making the vehicle unmanageable. Concerns multiply during speeds exceeding 80 km/h, so tires with worn treads must be replaced before it's too late. The ADAC recommends changing tires when their tread depth drops below 3.5 millimeters to stay safe.

When the Wheels Stall

If you're experiencing an aquaplaning incident, resist the urge to steer, brake, or speed up. Instead, keep your grip on the wheel and give the car some room to regain control. If you own an automatic transmission, ease off the gas pedal to avoid engine braking, but keep the car in gear. In manual transmission vehicles, let the car coast while simultaneously taking your foot off the gas pedal; however, the ADAC advises against this maneuver in current cars. Should you find yourself aquaplaning, you may need to accelerate again to regain traction swiftly.

Land, Air, and Water

While aquaplaning can occur on any wet road with elevated water levels, turning cautious attention to particular spots can prevent accidents. Pay extra attention to depressions, underpasses, ruts, or bends, as water is more likely to collect in these areas. The ADAC advises staying aware while keeping a keen ear out for the sound of rainwater rushing through your own wheel arches, signaling that aquaplaning may be imminent. Other red flags may be weakening forces on the steering wheel and the activation of a stability control or ESP warning light.

Caution is key when aquaplaning. You can decrease the risk by following suggested speeds in adverse weather and taking your car's structural features into account, such as the ground clearance. Knowing how to spot aquaplaning signs helps you take preventative measures and stay safe.

Remember, aquaplaning can occur on practically any road with raised water levels. So stay wide awake and be on the defensive, especially in poorly drained zones like depressions, culverts, grooves, or curves. This situation calls for a practiced sense of vigilance. Loud music, intense conversations, and other distractions can reduce alertness, leading you into harm's way. Keeping focused on your surroundings helps you identify the telltale signs of aquaplaning, such as the spray from other vehicles, the sound of rushing water, and frequently the appearance of a decreased force on the steering wheel – particularly in a front-wheel drive vehicle, where the wheels' vital roles are so critical.

The ADAC also warns of potential hazards in areas with high water levels, urging drivers to avoid them if at all possible. If you absolutely must cross a flooded area, limit your speed to a leisurely walking pace.

The Road, the Wind, and You

Staying mindful of your surroundings will help you maintain a safe distance between cars while staying vigilant for potential issues arising from the wind. Though storms mostly toss trucks and other large vehicles around, it's wise to keep an eye on nearby motorists for any strange behaviors, as their vehicles may be affected by the wind. Should you feel your trailer losing grip, slow down and gently brake to stabilize it. Always make sure that it's safe to slow down before engaging your brakes.

Based on ADAC's guidelines, overtaking big vehicles like trucks and buses can turn risky when your car moves out of their slipstream, allowing the wind to strike it directly. If you're unsure, it's safer to forego the maneuver and remain behind.

Drivers must exercise extra caution in locations with strong winds, such as forest alleys, valley bridges, and tunnel entrances and exits. These zones are more prone to unexpected gusts or turbulence. This warning is particularly relevant to cars with a significant ground contact area. Examples include vehicles with high trailers, vans, motorhomes, or trucks. Even roof boxes or bikes mounted on the roof cause an increased exposure to the wind's surface.

Avoiding Routes with Trees or Waiting for Better Weather

Trees pose a higher risk if storms are forecast, advises ADAC. Thus, they recommend caution starting from wind strength level 5 (wind speeds between 29 to 38 km/h). In case of severe storm warnings (wind force 10 or higher) or hurricanes, TÜV Süd recommends staying stationary until the weather improves.

If you encounter strong winds unexpectedly while driving, TÜV Süd advises you to seek refuge at the nearest safe spot, free from any potential dangers from falling limbs or trees.

When operating vehicles vulnerable to wind, waiting for the storm to die down is the wisest option. Additionally, there are certain sections of roads that forbid driving during stormy weather.