Queensland summers are famous for sudden downpours, intense storms, and flash flooding. One minute the road is dry, the next visibility drops, water sheets across the bitumen, and traffic grinds to a crawl. Driving in heavy rain is one of the most dangerous conditions motorists face, but a few smart habits can dramatically reduce your risk.
Here are five things you should always do when driving in heavy rain.
1. Slow down and increase your following distance
Wet roads significantly reduce tyre grip and increase braking distance. In heavy rain, you should slow down and leave at least double your normal following distance. This gives your tyres more time to grip and allows you to react smoothly if traffic suddenly stops.
Hydroplaning, where your tyres lose contact with the road and ride on a layer of water, becomes more likely the faster you travel. If your steering feels light or unresponsive, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking.
2. Turn your headlights on (but not high beam)
In Queensland summer storms, visibility can drop quickly. Turning your headlights on makes you more visible to others, not just able to see the road ahead.
Avoid using high beams in heavy rain or fog. They reflect off water droplets and can actually make it harder to see. Low-beam headlights and, if needed, fog lights are the safest choice.
3. Avoid sudden movements
Sharp steering, harsh braking, or fast acceleration can all cause a loss of traction on wet surfaces. Aim to keep every movement smooth and deliberate.
Brake earlier than usual, steer gently through corners, and accelerate slowly from intersections. If your vehicle begins to skid, stay calm, ease off the pedals, and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
4. Watch for pooling water and never drive through floodwater
Queensland storms often cause water to pool quickly, especially on low roads and near storm drains. Even shallow water can cause loss of control, hide potholes, or stall your engine.
If the water is flowing or you can’t see the road surface, don’t drive through it. It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away. “If it’s flooded, forget it” isn’t just a slogan, it saves lives.
5. Make sure your car is wet-weather ready
Your safety in the rain depends heavily on your vehicle’s condition. Before storm season hits, it’s important to check:
- Tyre tread depth and pressure
- Windscreen wipers and washer fluid
- Headlights, brake lights, and indicators
- Brakes and overall handling
Worn tyres and poor wipers dramatically reduce control and visibility, even for experienced drivers.
Stay safe this storm season
Heavy rain driving is as much about preparation as it is about behaviour. Queensland’s summer storms can be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be.
At Auto Leaders, we help drivers stay road-ready with professional inspections, vehicle servicing, and mechanical repairs, so when the weather turns, your car is prepared.
Slow down, stay alert, and remember: arriving late is always better than not arriving at all.
