10 tips for driving in Northwest rain | PEMCO

It’s something you already knew, but it’s worth repeating as we head into the rainy season: precipitation is one of the biggest contributors to crash risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 75% of weather‑related crashes happen on wet pavement, leading to 5,700 fatalities and more than 540,000 injuries each year. 

And it doesn’t take a Northwest downpour to make roads dangerous. Even light drizzle decreases traction and visibility. The heavier the rainfall, the faster risks climb. 

Rain also accounts for far more weather‑related crashes than snow. Not because rain is more hazardous, but simply because it’s far more frequent, and many drivers stay home when it snows. 

At PEMCO, we’re big believers in preventing crashes before they happen. As we return to windshield‑wiper season, here are 10 ways to stay safer on wet roads: 

1. Slow down and leave more space. 

Slowing down is one of the most effective ways to prevent rain‑related crashes. Lower speeds reduce your chances of hydroplaning and give you more time to react if traffic stops suddenly. And remember, posted speed limits are set for ideal conditions — wet pavement is anything but ideal. 

To maintain a safe buffer, follow the 3‑second rule in good weather. When conditions turn rainy, foggy, or snowy, double that to at least 6 seconds, so you have enough space to brake and adjust safely. 

2. Replace wiper blades annually. 

Most wiper blades are only designed to last about 6–12 months, but frequent drizzle, road spray, pine needles, and grit from winter storms can wear them down even faster. 

Signs your wiper blades need replacing: 

• Streaks or smearing across the windshield 

• Chattering or squeaking as they move 

• Missed patches or “skips” in rain 

• Frayed or cracked rubber edges 

• A haze that makes nighttime vision worse 

3. Wipers on, headlights on. 

If your wipers are needed, your headlights should be on too, for you to see, and for others to see you. Dirt buildup from road spray can also dim headlights by up to 90%, so wipe them clean when you stop. 

4. Clear fogged headlights. 

Cloudy or fogged headlights can seriously reduce how far you can see — and how easily others can see you, especially in heavy rain or low‑light Northwest conditions. A simple headlight restoration kit can remove haze and restore brightness in just a few minutes, dramatically improving visibility. 

5. Keep tires healthy and inflated. 

Deeper tread dispels more water and cuts hydroplaning risk dramatically. Proper inflation helps treads work the way they’re designed to. 

6. Favor center lanes. 

Roads are usually higher in the middle to help with drainage. Middle lanes tend to accumulate less standing water. 

7. Turn off cruise control. 

You’ll respond faster to sudden changes in surface conditions, and you reduce the risk of losing traction unexpectedly. 

8. Be extra cautious at intersections and ramps. 

These areas collect oil buildup that becomes especially slick during the first rain after a dry stretch — a prime time for crashes. 

9. Avoid driving through standing water. 

Just 12 inches can float a car. If you can’t avoid it, go slowly and steadily, and lightly pump your brakes afterward to help dry them. 

10. If you skid, don’t slam the brakes. 

Most modern vehicles have Automatic Breaking Systems (ABS), so ease off the accelerator, steer where you want to go, and avoid sudden inputs. Pumping the brakes is only for older, non‑ABS vehicles. 

Staying safe in the rain is about preparation and prevention—two things Northwesterners (and PEMCO customers!) do better than most. The more we understand how weather affects driving, the more confidently we can navigate it.