The rainy season often poses unique challenges for drivers. Slippery roads, limited visibility, and standing water can increase the risk of accidents.

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) forecasts that the 2026/2027 rainy season will begin gradually in several regions starting in November 2026. It will peak from December 2026 through February 2027.

Before it’s too late, understanding tips for safe driving in the rain is crucial to ensure your trip remains comfortable and always prioritizes safety.

3 Tips for Safe Driving During the Rainy Season

1. Prepare Your Vehicle Before Departing

Ensuring your car is in top condition before driving through heavy rain is an essential preventive measure you shouldn’t overlook. Here are some steps to take:

• Check Wiper Blades & Windshield Washer Fluid: Make sure the wiper blades are still functioning optimally to clear water thoroughly without leaving streaks or making squeaking noises. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir to the full mark.
• Check Tire Tread Depth and Pressure: Deep tire treads help channel water away (water channeling) so the tires don’t lose traction. Make sure the tire pressure also meets the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Check All Headlights: Make sure the headlights, fog lights, and rear brake lights are working perfectly.
• Brake Condition & Fog-Free Windows: Check brake effectiveness and ensure the air conditioning (AC) system is working properly to prevent fogging on the inside of the windows.

2. Driving Tips on the Highway

When rain begins to wet the road, the road surface automatically becomes slippery. Adjust your driving style using the following defensive driving techniques:

Reduce Speed & Increase Safe Following Distance

Reduce your speed by about 20%–30% below the normal limit. Slippery road conditions increase stopping distance. Maintain a safe following distance of at least 4–5 seconds from the vehicle ahead.

Avoid Turning On Hazard Lights

Use your headlights or fog lights to ensure your vehicle remains visible to other drivers. Do not turn on your hazard lights while driving in the rain, as this can confuse drivers behind you and obscure your turn signal when making a turn.

Be Aware of the Danger of Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning is a condition where tires lose contact with the road surface due to driving through a layer of water (puddles), causing the car to skid and become difficult to control.

If you experience this, stay calm, keep the steering wheel straight, and slowly release the gas pedal without slamming on the brakes suddenly.

3. Pull Over When Necessary

If the rain is too heavy to maintain visibility (less than 10 meters) or the wipers can no longer clear the water quickly, do not force yourself to keep driving.

Immediately look for a safe place to stop, such as a rest area, gas station, or building parking lot. Avoid pulling over under large trees, billboards, or directly on the shoulder of the highway, as you’re at risk of being rear-ended.

Enjoy a Comfortable & Worry-Free Trip with TRAC

Given the significant risks of driving during this season, it’s natural to feel anxious—especially if you’re traveling for business or on a long trip with your family. A practical and safe solution is to use TRAC’s chauffeur-driven car rental service.

TRAC is a car rental company with a long-standing reputation and extensive experience. Every vehicle you rent is guaranteed to be in top condition, well-maintained, and backed by 24-hour customer service.

Additionally, TRAC’s car rental with driver is staffed by professional drivers with extensive driving experience. They always prioritize safe driving practices such as safety driving and defensive driving.

As one of the business units of PT Serasi Autotaya (SERA)—which is also part of the Astra Group—TRAC has over 40 years of experience and remains committed to prioritizing customer comfort and safety.

For more information about TRAC’s services, visit the TRAC website at https://www.trac.astra.co.id/ and follow us on social media:

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