Severe weather warning: So you drive safely through heavy rain and storm!

Severe weather warning: So you drive safely through heavy rain and storm!

Unbekannt, Österreich - Sudden storms can face major challenges today, on July 8, 2025. Heavy rain, risk of aquaplaning and strong gusts of wind significantly increase the risk of accidents. According to 5min.at, the weather can change drastically within a few minutes. In order to get to your goal safely, it is important to consider special tips and behaviors.

The risk of aquaplaning, in which the vehicle loses contact with the road, increases especially at speeds over 80 km/h and with crazy tires. Roland Frisch, car manager of the ÖAMTC driving technology, emphasizes that tires with a profile of less than four millimeters are not recommended. In the event of a loss of control, the driver should keep calm, step the clutch and gently steer them into the direction of travel, since abrupt brakes can be dangerous.

tips for safe driving with storms

When rain or thunderstorms, it is important to drive forward -looking. Drivers should enlarge their distance to the person in front and adapt the pace to the conditions. Storm gusts can significantly move vehicles, especially at high speeds. Cars can be moved by up to one meter at 70 km/h and even 130 km/h by almost four meters. Traffic signs and wind sacks for warning should be observed carefully, as [nachrichten.at] (https://www.nachrichten.at/panorama/chronik/starkregen-windboeen-schlechte-licht-experten-fuer-fahren-bei-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-bieben-biebel;

Special caution is on forest roads and avenues, since obstacles can suddenly occur there. The experts recommend capturing the steering wheel with both hands, reducing the speed and concentrating on the surrounding area to avoid distractions. "If there are uncertainties, you should rather take a break" - says the tenor of the experts.

behavior in the case of aquaplaning

When aquaplaning occurs, the first rule is: keep calm. The foot should be taken from the gas and the clutch should be operated on manual drives. In addition, a quiet steering in the direction of travel is necessary. Overtaking maneuvers and changing lanes are particularly risky in these conditions. In particular, overtaking high vehicles such as trucks should be avoided, as this further increases the risk, such as the ADAC notes.

On highways, it is advisable to switch to the right lane in extremely heavy rain, to activate the warning indicator system and to reduce the speed down at walking speed. Flooded areas or underpasses should be bypassed to avoid engine damage. If drivers get into such masses of water, you should try to drive backwards from the flooded zones.