With rain and snow more frequently in the forecast, conditions on the road can suddenly become difficult and dangerous to maneuver. Wet roads require more precaution, as just a few meters can make a significant difference between avoiding an accident or not.

Here are 5 suggestions for driving in rainy weather:

Drive to the conditions

When roadways are wet, the friction is reduced between the tire and the road. Reduce your speed, focus on staying 3-4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you, and try to avoid hard braking. To reduce your chances of hydroplaning, slow down and do not use cruise control. Stay toward the middle lanes, as water tends to accumulate in the outside lanes.

Turn on your headlights

Whenever visibility is poor, headlights are a good way to let other drivers know where you are. Turn your headlights on even in a light rain or during the day. Driving at night on rainy roads can be especially difficult. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain on your windscreen, can cause temporary loss of visibility. Besides slowing down and giving yourself more reaction time, keep your mirrors clean so they don’t create a smudged vision while driving.

Light rain can be more dangerous

When it first starts raining, the water can mix with small patches of oil and form a dangerous film across the road. Watch for intersections because of the oil spots on the road. Anticipating this potential hazard, avoid hard braking and try not to make sharp or quick turns.

Check your tires

Having enough tread and correct tire pressure gives you more grip and better handling. Equipping your vehicle with good quality, winter tires can greatly improve your car’s performance, particularly in wet conditions. Bald tires significantly reduce your traction on wet roadways and offer little resistance to hydroplaning.

Hold off on unnecessary trips

When bad weather is in the forecast, hold off on going to the store. If it’s possible, allow employees to work from home so they don’t have to worry about making the commute on potentially flooded roads.