THE RAC Foundation is asking fleet managers to impress on their drivers the dangers of driving in the wet after research found that more than a third of all collisions are happening when it rains.

With climate scientists predicting wetter winters and heavier downpours, the Foundation is concerned the toll of injuries in the wet – at present 127,000 road users a year – will rise further still. It has issued guidelines on how to tackle deep water, aquaplaning, skidding and techniques for wet weather driving.

What to do in wet weather:

  • Deep Water: Slow down, or stop to assess depth. If it is deep enough to cover the exhaust, do not attempt to drive through it. If the driver is confident it is shallow enough, engage a low gear and drive through at a brisk walking pace.

    If the engine cuts out, do not attempt to re-start it. At the other side, dry the brakes: drive at a moderate speed for 500 metres, the brake gently to ensure they work.

  • Tyres: Wet weather performance of tyre decreases when the grooves get below 2mm, despite the legal limit being 1.6mm. Always check tyres if it is likely to be wet.

  • Aquaplaning: If the car aquaplanes, the steering will feel light, the engine note may rise and the car will seem to float. Hold the steering wheel gently, steering straight ahead, and ease off the accelerator until the steering feel returns.

  • Skidding: If the car skids, ease off the accelerator but do not hit the brakes. If the driver instinctively brakes hard, release immediately and re-apply lightly, although you should never take your foot off the accelerator.

  • Getting stuck: When stuck in mud, do not spin the wheels. Put the car in second as the wheels are less likely to spin and therefore get grip. Placing a car mat under the stuck wheels can give extra traction.

  • Condensation: Clear the windscreen and front windows before starting a journey, and then get a flow of cool air onto the windscreen to keep it clear.

  • Wipers: Replace wipers when they start squeaking, smearing or leaving areas of the windscreen dirty. Worn wipers will not clear the screen properly.

  • Torrential rain: If there is a continuous sheet of water on the windscreen, pull over until it subsides, keep headlights and hazard warning lights switched on.

  • Lights: Do not use on full beam if the rain is heavy as the light reflects off the water and can affect visibility. Only use fog lights if visibility is severely reduced.

  • Follow the leader: Do not drive too closely to the vehicle in front and drop speeds. Stopping distances are seriously reduced and water displaced from the car in front can impede vision.

  • Pedals: Always dry the soles of shoes on the car mat before driving as wet shoes can slip off pedals, causing loss of control.

  • Pedestrians: Have a thought for pedestrians by the side of the road. Drenching them deliberately can result in fines of up to £2,500 and up to nine penalty points for driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.