In a month in which storms and torrential rains have been felt throughout the length and breadth of the Spanish geography, nature has once again shown how great its strength is. Seeing images of cars drowned in basements or dragged by the current is common during these episodes. However, there are circumstances that, although less extreme, can cause greater damage if you do not take the appropriate precautions when driving a car or motorcycle in the rain.
Rain is the most frequent atmospheric phenomenon and also the one that causes the most circulation problems. According to the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), throughout 2021 there were 2,228 accidents with injured parties, in which the rain had something to do with it, of which 65 were fatalities. The less adherence of the tires to the asphalt is the main reason why the braking distance of the vehicles increases in these conditions.
Stopping distance is the meters your car travels from the moment the driver perceives a hazard or obstacle until the vehicle finally comes to a stop. This stopping distance is made up of the reaction distance and the braking distance, that is, the distance that the vehicle travels immediately before and after applying the brake.
Wet pavement is a significant determinant, since due to the lower grip of the tyres, vehicles need a greater number of meters to stop on time than, under normal conditions, with dry ground. Braking distance increases, especially in the initial minutes of the rain, when the first drops fall and mix with the dust and grease of the asphalt, making it more slippery.
In situations of heavy rain, water will tend to accumulate on the road, so our vehicle can lose more grip and even slip, and the humidity could also affect the operation of the brake pads.
At higher speeds, vehicles require a longer stopping distance. This factor, along with the state of the road, is also a determining factor for the duration of the stopping distance. Assuming that the reaction distance remains stable:
