To drive safely in the rain, slow down below the posted limit, double your following distance, turn on your headlights, and brake and steer gently. Be extra careful during the first rain after a dry spell, when oil makes roads slick. Never drive through flooded streets, and avoid cruise control on wet pavement.
Why Rain Catches Los Angeles Drivers Off Guard
Southern California drivers get months of dry, sunny roads, then a storm rolls in and the freeways turn chaotic. If you are a new driver in Inglewood, Hawthorne, or anywhere in the South Bay, your first rainy drive may feel completely different from your lessons.
That feeling is backed by data. According to the Federal Highway Administration, each year, 75 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on wet pavement and 47 percent happen during rainfall. Rain is the most common weather hazard drivers face, and in Los Angeles it is made worse by the fact that most people rarely practice in it.
This guide explains what changes when the road gets wet, why the first storm of the season is the most dangerous, and exactly what to do with your speed, brakes, steering, and lights.
Why Is the First Rain of the Season So Dangerous?
The first rain after a long dry spell is the most slippery because oil and grime on the road mix with water and form a slick film.
During dry months, engine oil, rubber particles, and dust build up on asphalt. When light rain hits, it lifts that residue to the surface before there is enough water to wash it away. The Federal Highway Administration notes that light rainfall after extended periods with no precipitation can cause slippery pavement when water mixes with oil.
In practical terms, the first hour of the first storm is often worse than a steady downpour days later. Busy intersections, freeway on ramps, and stop lines where cars idle tend to collect the most oil, so treat them with extra caution.
How Much Should You Slow Down in the Rain?
Drive about 5 to 10 mph slower than you normally would, and slow even more in heavy rain or standing water.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles recommends 5 to 10 miles per hour slower than the speed at which you would normally go. The posted limit is a maximum for ideal conditions, not a target.
California’s Basic Speed Law (Vehicle Code Section 22350) requires drivers to travel at a speed that is safe for current conditions. That means you can receive a ticket for driving the posted limit if rain makes that speed unsafe.
Here is how to think about it:
| Road Condition | Suggested Adjustment | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light drizzle, first rain | Slow 5 to 10 mph, extra care at intersections | Oil film makes surface slick |
| Steady moderate rain | Slow 5 to 10 mph or more | Longer stopping distance, reduced visibility |
| Heavy downpour | Slow significantly, consider exiting to wait it out | Visibility and traction both drop sharply |
| Standing water or puddles | Slow before reaching them, never brake inside them | Hydroplaning risk |
What Is Hydroplaning and How Do You Avoid It?
Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road, so the tires lose contact with the pavement and you lose steering and braking control.
It feels like the steering suddenly goes light or loose. It is most likely at higher speeds, with worn tires, and in standing water.
How to Prevent Hydroplaning
- Slow down. Speed is the biggest factor you control.
- Check your tire tread. California legally requires tires to be replaced at 2/32 inch tread depth. Deeper tread channels water away much better.
- Keep tires properly inflated. Use the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s door, not the number on the tire sidewall.
- Drive in the tracks of the car ahead. The car in front pushes water aside for you.
- Avoid puddles and outer lanes where water tends to collect.
- Turn off cruise control. It can keep the wheels spinning if you start to hydroplane.
What to Do If You Start Hydroplaning
- Stay calm and take your foot off the gas gently.
- Do not slam the brakes.
- Keep the steering wheel pointed where you want the car to go.
- Wait until you feel the tires grip the road again before braking lightly.
How Should You Brake on Wet Roads?
Brake earlier, more gently, and with steady pressure. If your car has antilock brakes, press firmly and hold; do not pump.
Wet pavement increases the distance you need to stop. Begin braking sooner than you would on a dry day, especially when approaching red lights on busy streets like La Brea Avenue or Century Boulevard.
| Brake Type | What to Do in a Hard Stop |
|---|---|
| Antilock brakes (ABS), found in most modern cars | Press firmly and hold. A pulsing pedal is normal. Keep steering. |
| Non ABS (older vehicles) | Squeeze the brake to just before the wheels lock. Release slightly if they start to skid. |
Not sure which you have? Check your owner’s manual, or look for the ABS light on your dashboard when you start the car.
How Much Following Distance Do You Need in the Rain?
Use at least four to six seconds of following distance in the rain instead of the usual three seconds.
To measure it, pick a fixed object such as a sign or overpass. When the car ahead passes it, count. If you reach the object before you finish counting, back off.
Extra space gives you time to react when a driver ahead brakes suddenly, which happens constantly on the 405 and the 105 during storms.
Do You Have to Turn On Your Headlights When It Rains in California?
Yes. In California, you must turn on your headlights whenever weather conditions require you to use your windshield wipers continuously.
In California, you must turn on your headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers in bad weather conditions (California Vehicle Code 24400). This applies during the day too.
Headlights are less about helping you see and more about helping others see you. Gray cars on gray, wet roads become nearly invisible in the side mirrors of other drivers.
A few lighting tips:
- Use low beams, not high beams, in heavy rain. High beams reflect off the water and reduce visibility.
- Do not rely on automatic daytime running lights. In many cars they do not turn on your taillights.
- Do not use hazard lights while driving unless you are stopped or nearly stopped, as they can confuse other drivers about your intentions.
How Do You Keep Your Windows From Fogging Up?
Turn on your defroster, switch on the air conditioning, and set airflow to fresh air instead of recirculate.
Rain raises humidity inside the car, and your breath adds more moisture. The air conditioning removes moisture from the air, even with the temperature set to warm. Cracking a window slightly also helps.
Clean the inside of your windshield before the rainy season. Smudges and film make fog and glare much worse at night.
Is It Safe to Drive Through a Flooded Street?
No. Do not drive through flooded roads. You cannot tell how deep the water is or whether the road underneath has washed out.
The National Weather Service campaign “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” exists because a large share of flood deaths happen in vehicles. Moving water only a few inches deep can push a car, and water about a foot deep can float many vehicles.
In Los Angeles, watch for flooding in underpasses, low intersections, and areas near drainage channels. If you see water covering the road, turn around and find another route.
What Should You Check on Your Car Before the Rainy Season?
Here is a simple prestorm checklist you can do in about 15 minutes:
- Wiper blades: Replace them if they streak, skip, or squeak. Southern California sun dries out rubber fast.
- Tires: Check tread depth and pressure.
- Headlights and taillights: Walk around the car with the lights on.
- Brakes: If you hear grinding or the pedal feels soft, have them inspected before the first storm.
- Washer fluid: Top it off.
- Defroster: Test that it clears the windshield quickly.
Common Mistakes New Drivers Make in the Rain
From our experience training students around Inglewood and the South Bay, these are the habits that cause the most trouble:
- Driving the speed limit because “that’s the limit.” Conditions set the safe speed, not the sign.
- Following too closely in stop and go traffic. Rear end collisions spike in storms.
- Braking hard in a puddle. Brake before you reach standing water.
- Changing lanes too often. Each lane change crosses painted lines, which can be slippery when wet, and moves you through spray from other cars.
- Forgetting pedestrians. People with umbrellas and hoods have limited vision and often rush across streets. Be patient near bus stops and crosswalks.
- Assuming SUVs and all wheel drive cars stop better. All wheel drive helps you accelerate, not stop.
- Overcorrecting a skid. Small, smooth steering inputs keep the car stable.
What Should You Do If Your Car Starts to Skid?
Take your foot off the gas, look where you want to go, and steer gently in that direction. Avoid slamming the brakes.
Your hands tend to follow your eyes, so staring at the pole or wall you fear will pull you toward it. Fix your gaze on the open space and make small corrections until the tires regain grip.
When Should You Pull Over and Wait?
Pull over if you cannot see the lane lines or the car ahead, or if your wipers cannot keep up with the rain.
Exit the freeway or pull into a parking lot rather than stopping on a shoulder, where you can be hit by drivers who also cannot see well. Most Southern California downpours ease up within a short time. Waiting 15 or 20 minutes is always better than pushing through.
Before you head out, check road conditions with the Caltrans QuickMap app or a navigation app that shows traffic and closures.
Should New Drivers Practice Driving in the Rain?
Yes, carefully and with an experienced adult or instructor. Many California teens finish their supervised practice hours without a single rainy drive, then face a storm alone on their provisional license.
A good approach is to start in a quiet, empty parking lot during light rain. Practice gentle braking, smooth turns, and judging stopping distance. Then move to familiar neighborhood streets before attempting busy roads or freeways. Professional instruction can help here, because a trained instructor can explain what the car is doing and correct habits in real time.
Key Takeaways
- The first rain is the most dangerous because oil on the road creates a slick film.
- Slow down 5 to 10 mph below normal, and more in heavy rain.
- Double your following distance to at least four to six seconds.
- Headlights are required in California whenever you use your wipers continuously due to weather.
- Prevent hydroplaning with good tires, lower speed, and no cruise control.
- Never drive through flooded streets. Turn around and find another route.
- Brake early and smoothly, and know whether your car has antilock brakes.
- Prepare your car with fresh wipers, good tires, and working lights before the season starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important tip for driving in the rain?
Slowing down is the most important thing you can do. Lower speed gives your tires more grip, shortens stopping distance, reduces hydroplaning risk, and gives you more time to react. The California DMV recommends driving 5 to 10 mph slower than normal on wet roads, and even slower in heavy rain.
When is the rainy season in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles typically gets most of its rain between late fall and early spring, with the wettest months usually falling in winter. Rain is uncommon in summer. Because storms are irregular, many drivers go months without driving on wet roads, which is why the first rain of each season often brings a rise in crashes.
Is it illegal to drive without headlights in the rain in California?
Yes. California Vehicle Code 24400 requires you to turn on your headlights whenever weather conditions require continuous use of your windshield wipers. This applies during daylight hours as well. Using headlights makes your car far more visible to other drivers, especially gray, silver, or dark colored vehicles.
At what speed can you hydroplane?
Hydroplaning can happen at fairly ordinary speeds, especially with worn tires, low tire pressure, or deep standing water. Risk rises sharply as speed increases. There is no single safe speed, so the best protection is slowing down, avoiding puddles, and making sure your tires have healthy tread depth.
Should you use cruise control in the rain?
No. Avoid cruise control on wet roads. If your tires start to hydroplane, cruise control may keep the wheels spinning and make it harder to regain control. Driving manually also keeps you more alert and ready to adjust your speed as conditions change.
How do you stop your windshield from fogging up in the rain?
Turn on the front defroster, switch on the air conditioning, and set the system to fresh air instead of recirculate. The AC pulls moisture out of the air even when the temperature is warm. Keeping the inside of the windshield clean also reduces fog and glare.
Can a learner’s permit holder drive in the rain?
Yes. California permit holders can drive in the rain as long as they follow permit rules, including having a qualified licensed adult in the car. Practicing in light rain on quiet roads first is a smart way to build skill before facing heavy traffic or freeways in wet conditions.
What should I do if I get stuck in a flooded street?
If water is rising around your car and it is safe to do so, leave the vehicle and move to higher ground. Call 911 if you are in danger. Never try to drive through moving water, since even shallow flowing water can push a car off the road.
Conclusion
Driving in the rain is a skill, and like any skill it improves with knowledge and practice. Slow down, leave extra space, turn on your headlights, and stay alert during the first storm of the season. Most rainy day crashes come from drivers who keep driving like the road is dry.
If you or your teen would like to build real confidence on wet roads, CIS Driving School has been helping drivers across Inglewood and the South Bay since 1995. Our DMV licensed instructors offer free pickup and flexible scheduling. Feel free to call us at (310) 864 8695 whenever you are ready to get started.
