Texas Weather Doesn’t Wait
If you’ve lived in Central Texas long enough, you know the drill—clear skies one minute, and the next, you’re caught in a downpour so thick you can barely see the car in front of you. Here in Round Rock, that shift can happen in the blink of an eye.
Sure, rain might seem harmless compared to hail or high winds, but don’t be fooled. Wet roads are one of the most overlooked dangers behind the wheel. At Safe Beacon Insurance, we’ve seen what can happen when drivers aren’t prepared.
Whether you’re weaving through I-35 traffic, driving out to Hutto, or cutting across Pflugerville on a stormy afternoon, having a few practical tips under your belt can make all the difference.
Let’s dig into our top local-tested tips for driving safely when the rain starts falling hard.
1. Ease Off the Gas—Really
Speed limits assume perfect driving conditions. Rain is anything but perfect.
Why slow down?
- Tires lose traction
- Braking takes longer
- Hydroplaning kicks in as low as 35 mph
Even dropping your speed by 5–10 mph can mean the difference between a near-miss and an accident. If you see puddles or flooded lanes? Go even slower.
2. Headlights On (Yes, It’s the Law)
Texas law requires you to turn on your headlights when your wipers are on. Legal stuff aside, it just makes sense.
Headlights don’t just help you see—they help others see you. That’s huge in rain when visibility drops fast.
Skip the high beams, though. They reflect off the rain and make things worse.
3. Give More Space—You’ll Need It
Tailgating in dry conditions is bad. In a downpour? It’s dangerous.
Aim for at least a 4- to 6-second gap between you and the car in front.
That gives you time to:
- Stop safely
- Avoid a skid
- React if someone swerves or slams the brakes
4. Don’t Trust Standing Water
Round Rock isn’t a stranger to sudden flooding. Even a brief rainstorm can flood low spots fast.
Never drive through standing water unless you’re sure how deep it is.
- 6 inches of water can cause loss of control
- A foot can float your car
Be especially careful near:
- Low-water crossings
- Underpasses
- Poor drainage areas
5. Smooth Driving = Safe Driving
The road is slick. Every move you make should be deliberate.
Do this:
- Steer gently
- Brake softly
- Accelerate slowly
Sudden movements? Recipe for a skid.
If you do start sliding, don’t panic. Let off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go.
6. Defog the Windshield Before It’s a Problem
Rain often means foggy windows. Visibility matters.
Here’s what helps:
- Turn on your front and rear defrosters
- Use A/C to reduce humidity inside the car
If you can’t see clearly, pull over somewhere safe. Waiting out a storm is always better than guessing your way through one.
7. Check Your Tires and Wipers Before the Storm Hits
Safe rain driving starts long before you hit the road.
Tires:
- Make sure tread is deeper than 2/32″
- Watch for uneven wear
- Keep them properly inflated
Wipers:
- Swap them out every 6–12 months
- Clean the blades with a damp paper towel
Streaky windows and bald tires are a bad combo in the rain. Fix them now—not during the next thunderstorm.
8. Oil on the Road? Danger Zone
That first bit of rain after a dry spell? Slicker than it looks.
Rain brings oil and grime to the surface, especially on busy roads like:
- I-35
- RM 620
- Highway 79
Take it extra slow during the first 10–15 minutes of a downpour. It’s one of the most dangerous times to be on the road.
9. Skip the Cruise Control
Cruise control on wet roads is asking for trouble.
If your tires lose contact with the pavement while cruise is on, your car might:
- Accelerate unexpectedly
- Respond sluggishly
- Spin out more easily
You want full control. Keep your foot on the pedal and stay engaged.
10. When in Doubt, Pull Over
There’s zero shame in playing it safe.
If the rain gets so bad that you can’t see:
- Pull off the road—not just onto the shoulder if traffic is heavy
- Turn on your hazards
- Wait it out
Most downpours in Central Texas don’t last long. Give it ten minutes. You might just avoid a disaster.
Bonus Tip: Know the Flash Flood Zones Around Round Rock
Flash floods can hit fast here, especially during spring storms. Keep your eyes open in these known flood-prone areas:
- Brushy Creek crossings
- Deepwood Drive drainage areas
- Low spots near Chisholm Trail
Pro tip: Bookmark ATXfloods.com and sign up for Round Rock emergency alerts. It only takes a minute, but it can save you hours—or worse.
What If You Hydroplane?
It’s scary, but you’ve got options.
If you hydroplane:
- Don’t brake
- Ease off the accelerator
- Steer gently in the direction you want to go
Stay calm. Jerky movements make it worse. Your tires will regain grip—just give them a second.
What Does Your Auto Policy Actually Cover in a Storm?
Rain damage can rack up fast. It’s worth knowing what your insurance handles—before you need it.
Look for:
- Comprehensive coverage: Handles flood damage and falling tree limbs
- Collision: Covers crashes in slick conditions
- Roadside assistance: Handy if you stall or get stuck
Not sure what’s on your policy? We’ll review it with you—for free.
Final Thoughts: Rain Happens. Be Ready.
At Safe Beacon Insurance, we’ve seen how quickly a rainy afternoon can turn into an insurance claim—or worse. The good news? Most rain-related crashes are totally preventable.
Drive smart. Stay alert. Prep your vehicle before the clouds roll in.
Need help making sure your policy has your back when the weather doesn’t?
Let’s Review Your Coverage Before the Next Storm Hits
Call Safe Beacon Insurance in Round Rock, TX today.
📞 Phone: (512) 535-1918
🌐 Visit: https://www.safebeaconinsurance.com