Five Tips For Driving Safe in the Rain

If you live in Houma, LA, learning to drive safely during rainy weather is a necessity. The saying might be, “April showers bring May flowers.” Still, according to U.S. Climate Data, the state of Louisiana has approximately 101 days of rain spread throughout the year, and Houma sees 66 inches of precipitation. That’s nearly 30 inches more than the average for the entire country. It’s important to know how to navigate wet roadways to keep you and your fellow drivers safe. Check out these five tips to get you started.

#1: Slow Down and Increase Your Following Distance

When it’s raining, your tires don’t get as much traction as they would on dry roads. That means it will likely take your vehicle longer to come to a full stop. To prevent an accident, make sure you maintain a safe following distance. Following the three-second rule is the best way to ensure you’re giving yourself enough time to stop. If you have a GMC model equipped with GMC Pro Safety, utilize the Following Distance Indicator, which will show you the gap time in seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

#2: Use Your Headlights

Even if you’re traveling during the day, turn on your headlights to improve visibility. Not only will the additional light give you a better view of the road, but it will also make you more visible to other drivers. Many GMC and Buick vehicles are equipped with automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Enabling these features will help you keep a clear line of sight in inclement weather.

#3: Avoid Using Cruise Control

While cruise control is great for dry conditions, it’s best to avoid it when it’s raining. You need to be in full control of your speed and be ready to react to changing road conditions.

#4: Watch for Puddles and Standing Water

Puddles and standing water pose two challenges for drivers. The first is that they can be deceptive. You may not be able to gauge the depth of the puddle properly, and a deep pothole might be lurking underneath the water. The second is hydroplaning. Driving through standing water can cause your tires to lose traction. If you start to hydroplane, don’t slam on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the gas and continue to drive straight until you regain traction. Do not attempt to turn while hydroplaning.

#5: Check Your Tires and Wipers

Making sure your tires have adequate tread is important no matter what the forecast is, but if you’re expecting rain, it's doubly so. The combination of wet roads and worn tires makes it more likely that you will lose traction. Similarly, make sure your windshield wipers are in good repair for optimal visibility.

Find a Vehicle with Rain-Ready Features in Houma, LA

In addition to advanced safety technology like rain-sensing windshield wipers, all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles can make driving in the rain less stressful. AWD and 4WD enhance stability control and traction, which is particularly useful when you’re navigating slippery roads. The 2024 Buick Enclave is available with an intelligent AWD system that automatically activates to provide additional traction when needed. For even more control, the GMC Yukon and the Sierra both offer a 4WD system. If you’re shopping for a vehicle that will keep you safe during Houma’s rainy weather, visit us at Barker Buick GMC to find the perfect model to give you peace of mind on wet roads.