Published 26 October 2026
Driving in heavy rain, snow and different weather
Key takeaways
On wet roads, leave a four-second gap behind the car in front, double the two-second gap used in dry conditions.
Stopping distances roughly double in the rain and can be up to ten times longer on snow and ice.
Reduce your speed, use dipped headlights (not fog lights), and go easy on the accelerator and brakes to avoid aquaplaning.
Check your tyre tread and keep on top of your car maintenance, and avoid driving through flooded areas.
Tips for driving in heavy rain
Our top tip is simple. Drive carefully. When driving in heavy rain especially, keep your distance from the car in front in case they slow down or stop suddenly.
What is the wet road gap? (Stopping distance in rain)
The minimum time gap you should leave when following a vehicle on a wet road is four seconds, exactly double the two-second gap used in dry conditions. It's a standard DVSA theory test question, and the answer comes directly from The Highway Code: Rule 126 sets the minimum gap, and Rule 227 confirms that wet-weather stopping distances are at least double those on dry roads. The reason is simple physics: a film of water between your tyres and the road reduces grip, so it takes longer to brake to a stop.
Swipe to view more
| Speed | Dry stopping distance | Wet stopping distance (approx.) |
| 20 mph | 12 m | 24 m |
| 30 mph | 23 m | 46 m |
| 40 mph | 36 m | 72 m |
| 50 mph | 53 m | 106 m |
| 60 mph | 73 m | 146 m |
| 70 mph | 96 m | 192 m |
Figures are the Highway Code's dry stopping distances, doubled as a wet-road guide. Actual distance depends on your tyres, the road surface, visibility and your reaction time.
Your car’s condition is especially important when you’re driving in bad weather, so it’s vital you keep on top of your car maintenance and check your car’s tyre tread is within the correct limits set out in your manufacturer handbook.
Once you’re actually driving, make sure you reduce your speed. Not only will your visibility be reduced by heavy rain, but your stopping distance will be increased. Look at Rule 227 of the Highway Code for more on this: it also warns that spray and rain can make it harder to see and be seen, and recommends easing off the accelerator if your steering feels unresponsive.
Make sure you’re using dipped headlights so other drivers can see you; don’t use fog lights though, as it just dazzles other drivers and makes it even more dangerous for them.
Lastly, be gentle on the accelerator and brake pedals because sudden changes in wheel rotations can lead to aquaplaning, where you skid over water and lose control of the vehicle.
Wet weather driving: your questions answered
At least four seconds, double the two-second gap recommended in dry conditions. This comes from Highway Code Rule 126, and it's one of the most frequently tested Highway Code questions in the DVSA theory test.
A film of water between your tyres and the road reduces grip, so it takes longer to brake to a stop. Your reaction time doesn't change, but your braking distance roughly doubles.
Pick a fixed point ahead, such as a road sign or bridge. When the car in front passes it, count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three, one thousand and four." If you reach the same point before you finish counting, ease back.
Yes. It applies on all UK road types, including motorways, where the physical gap at higher speeds is larger in metres but the timing rule stays the same.
Many drivers widen their gap when it starts raining, then let it close again as traffic fills the space. If another car pulls into your gap on a wet motorway, ease back and re-establish the four-second distance rather than treating it as permission to follow closer. Watching the brake lights of the car in front isn't a substitute either: by the time you see them light up, you may already be inside your wet stopping distance.
Leave up to ten times the normal dry-road gap on snow and ice, as stopping distances can increase dramatically: braking distance alone can be several times longer at low speeds on ice. See our snow driving tips below for more detail.
In fog, your gap should match how far you can see, not just the clock. If visibility drops below 100 metres, Rule 235 says you should be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly, and you must use headlights (and fog lights only if seriously reduced) so other drivers can see you too.
Ice on the road and driving in a blizzard is no joke.
You should only drive in snow or icy conditions when it’s absolutely necessary. If the journey's essential, remember to drive slowly and carefully and leave plenty of time to get where you’re going. Check out the Government's advice and laws (Highway Code Rules 228 to 231) on driving in snow, which cover clearing your car before you set off, keeping well back from the vehicle in front, and driving smoothly on bends.
Cold, snowy weather can be fun, even magical, for some... but only to a certain degree. You need to make sure your windscreen is completely clear – not only scraped around the main area you’re looking out of. You should also clear your roof, windows, and lights of any snow that's settled, as not doing this could result in points on your licence.
Just like driving in heavy rain, stopping distances will be significantly increased when driving in snow – keep well back from the person in front as it can take ten times the distance to stop on snow compared to dry roads.
Driving in good weather is a breeze compared to driving in strong winds. You need to take extra care when driving in windy conditions – particularly across long, open stretches, and also when passing bridges, or where there’s a gap in the shrubs. Even though taller vehicles are generally affected most by this, gusts of wind can put any vehicle off course.
Lighter vehicles, like small hatchbacks and motorbikes, should be particularly cautious when overtaking taller vehicles due to the differing turbulence of air around the larger vehicle.
If you can't avoid driving in a storm, there are some things to keep in mind to help you stay safe in windy conditions:
- Drive slowly
- Watch out for exposed areas
- Be careful on smaller roads
- Hold the wheel firmly
- Avoid overtaking
- Leave extra space
- Watch for Debris
- Carry essentials
- Be vigilant
High winds will affect handling and braking. Driving slowly will help you maintain control of your car, even when a sudden gust comes along.
Open stretches of road with fewer buildings have less protection from strong winds. Keep an eye out for exposed roads and be ready to slow down if needed.
Narrow routes lined with trees or buildings can create wind tunnels which are tricky to drive in. They can also be shared with cyclists and pedestrians, so take extra care.
A sudden gust can catch you off guard. Make sure you're in control of the vehicle by always keeping both hands on the steering wheel. Grip frimly enough to stay in control but not so tightly that you restrict movement.
Avoid overtaking when the winds are extremely high. Overtaking large vehicles can be especially difficult as it may result in a sudden gust as you go past.
Give cyclists and other road users as much room as you can, they can be blown off course suddenly by the wind your car creates.
Storms often bring down branches, roof tiles or other objects. Stay alert to avoid unexpected obstacles.
High winds can force you to pull over and stop your journey. Pack warm clothes, snacks, a torch and a portable phone charger so you're prepared.
It's important to stay alert when driving, especially during storms and winds. Make sure you're keeping an eye on what other drivers are doing and adjust your own driving if necessary.
How can I park safely during a storm?
Once you've reached your destination, think carefully about where you stop. Here are some things to keep in mind when parking during a storm:
- Don't park under trees, near buildings or structures that could fall.
- If you have a garage, move your car into it, minimising the risk of wind or flood damage.
Even in normal weather conditions, finding somewhere to park can be stressful. Read more here for tips on parking.
What should I do if my car breaks down during a storm?
There's a few important things to remember if you do find yourself broken down during a storm:
- If you're stranded in the middle of the road, put your hazard lights on so other drivers can easily see you.
- Avoid leaving the car unless there's somewhere safe to wait. Leaving the vehicle while the roads are dangerous or dark puts you at risk as a pedestrian.
- Call your breakdown service, or the emergency services if needed, and wait for them to arrive.
What should I do if there's flooding?
Storms often come with heavy rain and flooding. Here's what to do if you come across excessive water on the road:
Check for an alternative route: Before trying to drive through a flooded area, always check to see if there's a different route you can take.
Stop and assess the situation: You can never be sure of the depth of water or the state of the road underneath without taking a close look. If you're crossing at a ford, there may be a water depth gauge at the side of the road. Also check the area for other hazards such as floating debris or downed power lines, where the electric current could be conducted by the water.
Check the depth: Avoid driving through standing water deeper than six inches - if it comes over your wellies, don't risk it. You should never drive through moving water deeper than four inches, in case your car is swept away.
Take care when passing other vehicles: Avoid following other drivers that could cause you to go off course. Large vehicles are especially dangerous as they can create waves that push the water higher than expected.
Aim for the highest part of the road: Usually the highest part of the road (the crown) will be in the middle, as most roads are designed to let water drain off the sides. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for hidden dips where the water could suddenly get deeper.
Park safely: Try to park on high ground, ideally at the top of a hill or slope.
Following these tips will help keep you safe during windy and stormy weather. Always remember to check the weather forecast when you're planning your journey.
So, now you know how to drive in different weather. When the forecast is particularly bad, it’s best to take a raincheck on your journey unless it’s considered essential travel. And make sure you’re covered in case something doesn’t go to plan.
With Allianz Online Car Insurance you manage your policy yourself online, so it’s fast and flexible, and many changes can be made without admin fees. Please refer to the policy terms and conditions for full details.
.jpeg)
.jpg)
