Wet Weather Driving Tips for Teens

Orange County provides beautiful living conditions for most of the year. Although, we can experience some unfamiliar weather conditions during the Fall and Winter months which can be dangerous – especially for new drivers.

Here are some driving safety tips for new drivers traveling on wet roads:

• Before you get on the road, make sure that your vehicle is safe. Your tire pressure can be affected by changes in temperature. Make sure that your tires, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good working condition before you head out onto the road.

• Turn on your headlights. It is required by California law that you use your headlights if you cannot clearly see a distance of 1,000 feet in front of you. Additionally, the law requires that you must use your headlights if weather conditions require the windshield wipers to be in continuous use. 
  • Refer to: California Vehicle Code – 24400 for more information.

• • Slow Down. Give yourself extra time. On rainy days make sure to allot some extra travel time to your schedule. For maintaining speed in the rain, our instructors recommend the ‘1 to 4 Rule’. For example, if the speed limit is 45, you should travel 1 to 4 miles below the speed limit – 40 to 44 mph. This ensures that you never go to slow (categorized as 6 to 10 mph below the speed limit) and never too fast (which is 1+ mph over the speed limit). Granted, you will always want to maintain the speed of traffic. If the speed limit is 45 but traffic is heavy and all of the vehicles around you are only able to travel at 33 mph you should maintain the speed of traffic.

• • Keep your distance. Keep at least 3 car lengths (or 100 ft) in between you and the vehicle in front of you. The wet roads require more stopping distance. There is less friction between the surface of the road and your tires when the road is wet. Slowing down, keeping your distance, and using the 1 to 4 Rule are all important tips to use when driving in rain.

• • Stay away from large vehicles. Vehicles like large trucks and busses will throw water with their larger tires which can affect your visibility.

• Scan the road. Watch the road 10 to 15 seconds in front of you. Take note of the traffic light ahead of you. What color is the light? The color of the light should dictate your next move: continue maintaining your speed, use the brake, hover your foot over the brake – all of these potential next moves are dictated by what is going on 10 to 15 seconds in front of your vehicle.

Using these tips in addition to all of your normal safe driving habits can highly reduce the risk of losing control of your vehicle in unfamiliar weather conditions. Remember, the Department of Motor Vehicles requires that teens complete driver training before they are eligible to get their driver license. I Passed Driving School offers online driver education and behind the wheel training to assist in getting your young driver safely and confidently onto the road. You can find out more information on our behind the wheel training under our Information tab.