DRIVING experts have issued a warning over the biggest mistake that motorists make when driving in the rain.
The dangerous error could leave drivers in danger and even lead to nasty car accidents.
GettyExperts have warned drivers to be aware of how the weather affects their car’s stopping distance[/caption]
Experts at LeaseCar.uk have reminded petrolheads to be aware of the fact that stopping distances are at least doubled in wet weather.
The stopping distance is the amount of time it takes for you to bring your car to a full halt from a given speed.
It is calculated by adding together the ‘thinking distance’ and the ‘braking distance’.
The former is the distance covered as you spot a hazard and react by braking, while the latter is the distance it takes for the brakes to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Things like alcohol consumption and drug use can severely impact the thinking distance, while poor road conditions, such as ice or rain, increase the braking distance.
Bad weather like heavy rain, snow or fog can also reduce visibility, which in turn boosts the thinking distance required.
For example, at 60mph the stopping distance is around 75m when dry.
However, this doubled to 150m, the height of the Blackpool Tower, in the wet.
A LeaseCar.uk spokesperson said: “As we enter the wettest months in the UK it’s vital that motorists manage their speed and distance to the car in front to prevent any serious accident.
“Motorists only need to visualise the height of the Blackpool Tower to better understand the distance they will need to safely stop the vehicle during the wettest months.
“Drivers should regularly check the condition of their vehicle paying particular attention to the brakes and depth of tyre tread as stopping distances will increase significantly in the wet if either are in poor condition.”