If you live in Florida, you know the routine. It’s blue skies one minute, torrential downpour the next. In the summer, our pop-up rainstorms aren’t just inconvenient, they’re dangerous, especially for families on the road. As a personal injury attorney in South Florida, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can go wrong when drivers don’t adjust to wet roads. And yet, nearly every rainy-season crash I’ve handled could have been prevented with a little more awareness.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, weather-related crashes cause over 1.2 million accidents every year in the U.S., and nearly 75% of them happen on wet pavement. In Florida, whether rainfall is frequent and intense, the danger is even higher. The first 10-15 minutes of a storm are the most treacherous. Oil, dirt, and grease rise to the surface creating a slick film on the road (almost like driving on ice). Combine that with worn-out tires, distracted drivers, and poor visibility, and you’ve got a perfect storm.

So, whether you’re headed to camp drop-off, errands, or back from a rainy beach day, here’s what you need to know to keep your family safe.  

1.      Slow Down – Even if You’re in a Hurry

Hydroplaning can begin at speeds as low as 35 mph, especially if your tires are worn or the water on the road is pooling. Reducing speed gives you more control and more time to act. According to AAA, it takes up to twice as long to stop on wet pavement compared to dry.

2.      Always Turn on Your Headlights

Florida law requires headlights in the rain, but many drivers still forget. Automatic lights don’t always activate in dim daylight or light rain. Visibility is everything, make sure you can see and be seen!

3.      Increase Following Distance

Rear-end crashes are one of the most common rainy-day collision types. In wet conditions, double your normal following distance. That’s about 6 seconds between you and the car ahead. If that sounds too much, it’s probably just right.

4.      Check Your Tires and Wipers

Bald tires and streaky wipers make wet driving even riskier. AAA recommends replacing wipers every 6 to 12 months and checking that your tire tread is at least 2/32 of an inch during rainy seasons.  

5.      Never Use Cruise Control in Wet Weather

Cruise control reduces your ability to respond quickly if your car hydroplanes or slips. It can even cause you to accelerate unintentionally if your wheels lose contact with the road.  

6.      Know When to Pull Over

If visibility drops to near-zero or the water starts to pool, pull over in a safe, visible place and wait it out. Just be sure to turn on your hazard lights only once you’re safely out of traffic.  

7.      Talk to Your Teen Drivers

Young drivers are especially vulnerable in bad weather. According to the CDC, teens are three times more likely to crash than older drivers—and that risk increases in the rain. Read these safety tips with them and give them real practice in wet conditions when possible.

8.      Buckle Up and Eliminate Distractions

You might be the safest driver on the road, but others aren’t. Don’t let rainy conditions and in-car distractions mix. Put the phones down, lower the radio, and make sure every passenger is buckled in properly.