Cruise control is useful on long, dry roads because it helps maintain a steady speed. However, when the road is wet, icy, or slippery, conditions can change quickly and the driver needs to maintain full control of the vehicle.
For this reason, it is safer to avoid using cruise control when driving on wet or slippery roads.
For this reason, it is safer to avoid using cruise control when driving on wet or slippery roads.
Why Is Cruise Control Risky on Wet Roads?
When it rains, water can build up on the road surface. If the tyres cannot move the water away effectively, the vehicle can begin to hydroplane.
Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up between the tyres and the road surface, reducing the tyres' contact with the road. When this happens, steering and braking control can be reduced.
The risk of hydroplaning can increase with:
When cruise control is engaged, the vehicle automatically maintains the selected speed.
On a wet or slippery road, however, the driver may need to reduce speed quickly as conditions change.
With cruise control switched off, the driver has direct control over the accelerator and can adjust speed according to the road conditions.
Cruise control is therefore better suited to appropriate road and weather conditions rather than rain, ice, or slippery surfaces.
When it rains, water can build up on the road surface. If the tyres cannot move the water away effectively, the vehicle can begin to hydroplane.
Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up between the tyres and the road surface, reducing the tyres' contact with the road. When this happens, steering and braking control can be reduced.
The risk of hydroplaning can increase with:
- Higher speed
- Standing water
- Worn tyres
- Insufficient tyre tread
- Poor road drainage
When cruise control is engaged, the vehicle automatically maintains the selected speed.
On a wet or slippery road, however, the driver may need to reduce speed quickly as conditions change.
With cruise control switched off, the driver has direct control over the accelerator and can adjust speed according to the road conditions.
Cruise control is therefore better suited to appropriate road and weather conditions rather than rain, ice, or slippery surfaces.
What Is Hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning happens when the tyres lose sufficient contact with the road because of water on the road surface.
When a vehicle hydroplanes, the driver may notice:
Hydroplaning happens when the tyres lose sufficient contact with the road because of water on the road surface.
When a vehicle hydroplanes, the driver may notice:
- Reduced steering response
- Reduced braking control
- The vehicle feeling light or unstable
- The vehicle drifting from its intended path
How Can You Reduce the Risk in Heavy Rain?
1. Reduce Your Speed
Slow down when rain makes the road wet.
Do not drive at the same speed you would normally use on a dry road. Adjust your speed according to visibility, traffic, road condition, and the amount of water on the road.
1. Reduce Your Speed
Slow down when rain makes the road wet.
Do not drive at the same speed you would normally use on a dry road. Adjust your speed according to visibility, traffic, road condition, and the amount of water on the road.
2. Switch Off Cruise Control
When the road becomes wet or slippery, switch off cruise control.
Keep direct control of the accelerator so that you can adjust your speed smoothly according to the conditions.
When the road becomes wet or slippery, switch off cruise control.
Keep direct control of the accelerator so that you can adjust your speed smoothly according to the conditions.
3. Increase Following Distance
Allow more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
Wet roads can increase stopping distance, and the vehicle ahead may suddenly brake or create water spray that reduces your visibility.
Allow more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
Wet roads can increase stopping distance, and the vehicle ahead may suddenly brake or create water spray that reduces your visibility.
4. Avoid Sudden Movements
Make steering, braking, and acceleration inputs smoothly.
Avoid sudden:
Make steering, braking, and acceleration inputs smoothly.
Avoid sudden:
- Braking
- Steering
- Acceleration
- Lane changes
5. Watch for Standing Water
Standing water can significantly increase the risk of hydroplaning.
Look ahead and identify areas where water has accumulated. Reduce your speed before reaching them and avoid sudden steering or braking while driving through water.
Standing water can significantly increase the risk of hydroplaning.
Look ahead and identify areas where water has accumulated. Reduce your speed before reaching them and avoid sudden steering or braking while driving through water.
6. Check Your Tyres
Your tyres are your only contact with the road.
Regularly check:
Your tyres are your only contact with the road.
Regularly check:
- Tyre pressure
- Tread depth
- Tyre condition
- Uneven wear
- Cuts or other damage
What Should You Do If Your Vehicle Starts to Hydroplane?
If you feel that your vehicle is losing traction:
It can cause:
If you feel that your vehicle is losing traction:
- Stay calm.
- Avoid sudden braking or steering.
- Ease off the accelerator smoothly and keep the steering wheel pointed in the direction you want the vehicle to travel.
- Allow the tyres time to regain contact with the road.
- Once normal traction returns, continue at a speed appropriate for the conditions.
It can cause:
- Reduced visibility
- Wet and slippery roads
- Longer stopping distances
- Water spray from other vehicles
- Standing water
- Reduced tyre grip
- Poor visibility of road markings
Don't Wait Until Conditions Become Dangerous
You do not have to wait for heavy rain before changing your driving behaviour.
As soon as the road becomes wet:
Wet road = Slow down + More distance + No cruise control
Cruise control is a convenience feature. It should never replace active observation and control of the vehicle.
When road conditions change, the driver should be prepared to change speed and driving behaviour accordingly.
You do not have to wait for heavy rain before changing your driving behaviour.
As soon as the road becomes wet:
- Slow down.
- Increase your following distance.
- Switch off cruise control.
- Increase your awareness.
- Drive smoothly.
Wet road = Slow down + More distance + No cruise control
Cruise control is a convenience feature. It should never replace active observation and control of the vehicle.
When road conditions change, the driver should be prepared to change speed and driving behaviour accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Good defensive driving means adapting to changing conditions.
When driving in rain, ice, or other slippery conditions, stay alert and maintain direct control of your vehicle.
Remember:
Good defensive driving means adapting to changing conditions.
When driving in rain, ice, or other slippery conditions, stay alert and maintain direct control of your vehicle.
Remember:
- Slow down.
- Switch off cruise control.
- Increase following distance.
- Avoid sudden movements.
- Watch for standing water.
- Keep your tyres in good condition.