Driving in rain and fog – technique and regulations we forget about

An exam on a sunny day is every student's dream. But you get a license for every weather. Driving in rain or fog requires changing driving style and... thinking.

Aquaplaning – Silent Killer

You are driving on a highway in rain. Suddenly the steering wheel feels strangely light, and the car stops reacting to movements. This is aquaplaning.

• What is it? The tire can't keep up with draining water. A water "wedge" forms between tire and asphalt. Car floats on water like a motorboat. You lose grip COMPLETELY.
• What to do?
  1. Foot off the gas! Don't brake sharply (it will make things worse).
  2. Hold steering wheel straight. Don't turn nervously.
  3. Wait until car slows down and tires "catch" asphalt.

Braking distance x2

On wet asphalt braking distance increases significantly. On slippery (leaves + rain) even two-three times.

• Rule: In rain maintain double distance from the car in front of you.

Fogging windows – Enemies of visibility

You get into the car on a rainy day, and after a moment windows are white like milk.

• Tip: Turn on air conditioning (A/C). Air conditioning not only cools, but primarily dries the air. This is the fastest way for fog. Direct airflow to the windscreen.

Fog – Test of patience

We wrote about fog lights in a separate article (remember: rear only < 50m visibility!). But driving technique is something more:

1. Don't trust rear lights of predecessor. Often in fog we "stick" to the car in front of us. If they drive into a ditch, you will too. If they brake sharply, you will hit them.
2. Lines on roadway. It is your only sure reference point. Look at the edge line (right) or middle line.
3. Illusion of speed. In fog it seems we are driving slower than in reality. Control the speedometer.

Car handles differently in every season. Don't be afraid of rain, but respect it. Adjust speed – this is universal advice for any conditions.