Picture this: the sky darkens, rain starts to fall, and the road ahead shimmers under a sheet of water. Your tyres, which usually grip dry tarmac without a thought, now have far less contact with the road. Visibility shrinks. Stopping suddenly takes twice the distance it normally would. In that moment, the smallest mistake can become life-changing.
Driving in the rain is part of daily life in the UK, but wet conditions massively increase the risks.Here are two sobering facts…
Every year, around 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads while it’s raining .
About one in eight road accidents happen in bad weather and 90% of those on wet roads .
Below, our experts tell you what’s really happening when you brake on a slippery road – why stopping distances grow, how aquaplaning works, and what modern braking systems can (and can’t) do.
And don’t be too sure in your abilities to read on – regardless of whether you’ve just passed your test or have years of experience, knowing how to adapt your driving in the rain could be one of the most important things you learn behind the wheel.
Why Wet Roads Are More Dangerous
Wet roads might not look dramatic, but they change how your car behaves in critical ways. When the surface is soaked, your tyres lose grip. Water forms a thin layer between rubber and road, acting like a lubricant and slashing your ability to brake or steer. The Highway Code warns that stopping distances in the wet are at least double those on dry roads . That means a car that stops in 50 metres on a dry day could need over 100 metres in the rain – and more if your tyres are worn or the rain is heavy.
It’s not just grip. Rain cuts visibility too. Spray and blurred windscreens can hide brake lights, pedestrians or obstacles until it’s too late to react . After dry weather, the first rain is even riskier: oil and grime mix with water to make the surface extra slick.
One of the most dangerous wet-weather risks is aquaplaning. When water builds up faster than your tyres can clear it, the car lifts onto the water like skis. You’ll feel the steering go light. Don’t brake or swerve. Ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady, and let the tyres reconnect with the road . The best fix? Avoid it altogether: slow down in heavy rain, steer around standing water, and keep your tyre tread in good shape.
Longer Braking Distances: Dry vs. Wet
Braking on wet roads takes far longer than most people realise. According to the Highway Code, your stopping distance in the rain is at least twice what it would be on a dry surface . That’s why the two-second rule – the recommended gap behind the car in front – becomes four seconds in the wet. As the saying goes: “Only a fool breaks the two-second rule… and make it four when it starts to pour.”
At 60 mph, a typical car might stop in about 73 metres on dry roads. In the rain, that can easily stretch to over 120 metres – sometimes closer to 150. That’s the length of a football pitch. Judging stopping distances can be hard, but there’s a simple two second rule in driving that can help you. Just remember to double it in wet weather conditions.
- Tyres make a huge difference. With full tread (around 8 mm), a car might stop in under 27 metres in the wet. With the legal minimum of 1.6 mm, it could take nearly 38 metres . Most safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3 mm, well before they’re worn down.
- Speed makes the problem worse. The faster you go, the more water your tyres have to displace and the less time you have to react. Yet many drivers don’t slow down when it rains – and almost half admit to speeding in wet weather. On wet roads, stopping safely isn’t about confidence. It’s about physics.
And remember, lorries take even longer to stop – because they’re heavy, so remember not to cut in and drive too close to lorries behind you – especially on wet roads. If you stop sharply, they may not be able to. Worth remembering next time you consider cutting in on a motorway in heavy traffic…
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Wet Weather
Even experienced drivers slip up when the rain starts falling. Here are some of the most common mistakes – and why they matter.
Driving too fast
Speed limits aren’t targets, especially in rain. If your tyres can’t grip and your visibility’s poor, then 30, 60 or 70 mph could be far too fast. Over half of UK drivers admit they don’t slow down in light rain, and 15% still don’t ease off in heavy rain . Slowing down protects lives – including yours.
Tailgating
Close following is dangerous on any road, but especially on wet ones. If the car in front brakes, you’ll need double the usual space to stop . That means at least four seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. Don’t fall into the trap of impatient driving and remember the two second rule – because pile-ups start with small gaps.
Harsh braking or sudden inputs
Slamming the brakes or yanking the steering wheel can easily cause a skid, especially on slick surfaces. ABS can help, but not if you force it to intervene. Smooth, early braking and gentle steering are the safer approach .
Those first three examples are bad driving techniques in any conditions. Remember to be a less agressive driver; it’s safer for you and other users and better for your passengers, too!
Not recognising aquaplaning risks
Flying through a puddle at speed can cause instant aquaplaning – where your tyres lift onto a layer of water. If the steering goes light and your engine revs but you’re not slowing, ease off the throttle and steer gently. Braking or swerving makes things worse.
Hitting a deep pool of water can actually throw your car off track. Not only that, you can throw water over padestrians or into the windscreen of oncoming cars, which could potentially cause an accident.
Poor maintenance
Worn tyres, bad wipers, and failing brakes all reduce your chances in wet weather. Tyres below 3 mm tread depth see a sharp drop in wet performance. Keep your car roadworthy, especially when the weather turns.
Using full beams in rain
Full beams reflect off rain and spray, making it harder to see – and can dazzle other drivers if left on when following or passing oncoming traffic. Dipped headlights are safer and more effective in downpours.
As cars become more sophisticated, it’s important to remember that despite the safety features you shouldn’t get too relaxed – ultimately, you’re the driver and need to be fully in control of your car – and fully alert…
Overconfidence in car tech
ABS and stability control help with control, not stopping distance . All-wheel drive won’t make braking in the rain any shorter. Don’t let high-tech features give you false confidence.
Cruise control and distraction
Cruise control can keep accelerating during aquaplaning – not what you want. In heavy rain, take full manual control. And keep your focus on the road. Wet conditions change fast.
Keep reading so you know how to brake properly in wet conditions. Remember – you need to know what to do before the situation happens. Driving safely on wet roads is an important skill to master
Safe Braking Techniques and Tips for Wet Conditions
Now that we’ve covered what not to do, here’s what works. These techniques are drawn from the Highway Code, driving experts, and decades of real-world experience.
Slow down and leave space
It’s simple but vital. Slowing down gives your tyres more time to grip and gives you more time to react. In wet weather, the Highway Code advises staying well back from the vehicle in front so you can see and plan ahead . Use the four-second rule – count “one thousand and one…” to “four” after the car ahead passes a fixed point ( rac.co.uk). Don’t let tailgaters push you faster. Keep your distance so you can brake gently if needed.
Brake early and gently
Progressive braking is the safest approach – start with light pressure, increase it smoothly, then ease off as you stop . This technique helps avoid skids, gives earlier warning to drivers behind, and keeps the car stable. Always slow down before bends or junctions – not during.
Steer and accelerate smoothly
Jerk the wheel or floor the throttle, and you risk losing grip. In the wet, use higher gears when pulling away (second instead of first, for example) to avoid wheelspin. When cornering, slow down before the bend and steer gently through it. “Slow in, smooth out” is the rule.
Plan ahead and anticipate
Scan further up the road than usual. Look for puddles, stopped traffic, brake lights in the distance. Spotting problems early means you can ease off the accelerator gradually instead of braking hard at the last second.
If you skid, remove the cause
Feel the tyres slipping? Don’t panic. Ease off whatever caused it – brake or throttle – to help the wheels reconnect with the road. If the back slides out, steer gently in the same direction (into the skid). Regaining control is about staying calm and not overcorrecting.
Responding to aquaplaning
If your steering suddenly feels light and the car isn’t slowing, you’re probably aquaplaning. Don’t brake – ease off the accelerator and keep the wheel steady. The car will slow on its own. Once grip returns, you can brake gently if needed. Also: don’t splash pedestrians – it’s inconsiderate and potentially a fine .
Use your lights and wipers properly
In any rain or spray, switch on dipped headlights – they help others see you and improve your own visibility. Don’t rely on automatic lights. Avoid high beams, which can reflect off rain and cause glare. Keep your windscreen clear using wipers, demisters and air-con. If visibility drops too far, pull over somewhere safe and wait it out.
Adjust for different wet conditions
Not all rain is equal. Roads are most slippery at the start of a shower after dry weather. In autumn, wet leaves can be as bad as ice. In winter, slush or black ice can multiply stopping distances. At night, rain creates reflections that obscure markings. Whatever the mix – adapt your driving. Careful always beats confident.
One final note – Know when not to go out driving!
If the forecast looks grim and your trip isn’t urgent, stay home. The safest brake is the one you don’t have to use. The Highway Code advises avoiding travel in severe conditions unless absolutely necessary.
Last updated: 11/06/2025