Rain changes the rules of the road fast. Even light rain can reduce traction, blur visibility, and increase stopping distances—turning a normal drive into a high-risk situation. Here’s what every Nevada driver should know before the next storm.
1) Wet roads mean longer stopping distances—sometimes much longer
When your tires can’t grip the pavement, your car needs more room to stop. The Federal Highway Administration notes that wet pavement can reduce tire traction and increase stopping distance.
A practical way to think about it:
- Your stopping distance is made of two parts:
- Reaction distance (how far you travel while you realize the danger and move your foot to the brake)
- Braking distance (how far you travel after braking begins)
Even if your reaction time stays the same, braking distance increases on wet pavement.
Passenger vehicles
AAA explains that on wet roads, you should increase following distance because stopping takes longer. Many driver safety resources recommend at least doubling your following distance in rain.
Trucks and other large vehicles
Large trucks already need more distance to stop because of their weight and braking dynamics. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) advises drivers to increase following distance in poor conditions and to reduce speed.
Bottom line: In rain, you need more space—especially around trucks. If you cut in front of a large truck and then brake, the truck may not be able to stop in time.
2) Rain increases crash risk—especially at the beginning of a storm
Multiple transportation safety studies have found that crash risk rises on wet roads, and the risk can spike during the first minutes of rainfall.
Why the beginning matters: when rain first hits the road, it mixes with oil, rubber residue, and other grime that has built up on the pavement. That creates a slick film that can be more slippery than steady rain later.
3) Oil + water = a slippery surface you can’t always see
Roadways collect oil drips, tire dust, and other residues. When rain begins:
- Water lifts that residue
- The mixture spreads into a thin, low-friction layer
- Your tires can lose grip more easily—especially when braking or turning
This is one reason intersections, on-ramps, and heavily traveled lanes can be extra hazardous in the rain.
4) Hydroplaning can happen faster than people think
Hydroplaning occurs when your tires ride on a layer of water instead of the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that hydroplaning can occur at highway speeds and is more likely with:
- Worn tires
- Standing water
- Higher speeds
If you hydroplane, sudden braking or sharp steering can make things worse. Ease off the accelerator and steer gently until you regain traction.
5) Yes—even in Southern Nevada—rain can mean ice
If temperatures drop low enough, rain can freeze on contact with bridges, shaded areas, and elevated roadways. The National Weather Service warns that bridges and overpasses can freeze before other road surfaces.
If it’s cold and raining (or recently rained), assume:
- bridges may be icy
- shaded stretches may be slick
- black ice may be hard to see
Quick safety checklist for rainy driving
- Slow down (traction drops before you feel it)
- Increase following distance (many safety authorities recommend doubling it)
- Avoid sudden braking and sharp turns
- Turn on headlights (so others can see you)
- Give trucks extra space (and don’t cut in close)
- Check tires and wipers (tread depth matters in water)
If you’re hit in the rain
Rain doesn’t excuse careless driving. Drivers still have a duty to adjust speed and following distance for conditions.
If you’ve been injured in a rainy-weather crash in Las Vegas or Clark County, Cap & Kudler can help you understand your options and what to do next.
Sources
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Road Weather Management / Wet pavement and reduced traction (general safety guidance on wet pavement and stopping distance): https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/
- AAA, Rain driving safety / increase following distance on wet roads (driver safety guidance): https://exchange.aaa.com/
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Large truck safe driving tips / increase following distance in poor conditions: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hydroplaning and wet-weather driving safety: https://www.nhtsa.gov/
- National Weather Service (NWS), Bridges and overpasses freeze first / winter driving hazards: https://www.weather.gov/
