Snow gets the attention, but rain and fog cause more accidents over the course of a year. For delivery drivers on the road every weekday, these conditions are routine — and handling them well is a core skill.
Rain: What Changes and What Doesn't
Light rain doesn't require dramatic adjustments, but it does require awareness. Wet roads reduce friction and extend stopping distances — not as dramatically as ice, but meaningfully. Add two or three seconds to your following distance in rain that's been falling for more than a few minutes.
The most dangerous window is the first 20–30 minutes of rain after a dry stretch. Oil, rubber deposits, and dust rise to the surface and create a slick film before the rain washes it away. This is when roads are most slippery — worth knowing if a sudden shower hits mid-route.
Hydroplaning happens when your tires can't channel water fast enough and ride up on a film of water. If you feel the steering suddenly go light, ease off the gas slowly — don't brake — and let the tires regain contact. Keeping tires properly inflated and tread above wear indicators significantly reduces hydroplaning risk.
Fog: Slow Down and Use Low Beams
In dense fog, your high beams actually make visibility worse by reflecting off the water particles. Use low beams or fog lights if your vehicle has them. Leave more following distance than feels necessary — at true fog density, you may only have 50–100 feet of visibility, which is not enough stopping distance at highway speed.
Turn off cruise control in fog. You want your foot near the brake and full manual control of your speed.
If fog becomes thick enough that you genuinely cannot see the road ahead, pull off safely and wait it out. Dense fog typically clears in 20–40 minutes. A 30-minute pause is a much better outcome than an accident.
Protecting Your Packages in Wet Conditions
Package moisture damage during delivery is a real issue in rain. Corrugated cardboard weakens fast when wet, and electronics are obviously vulnerable. If your van doesn't have a protected cargo area, keep a roll of plastic sheeting or large bags for wrapping vulnerable items before transport on heavy rain days.
At the door: don't leave packages where rain will reach them. A covered porch or dry entryway is the right call. If the only available spot is exposed and the item looks moisture-sensitive, photograph the placement and note it in your delivery confirmation.
Headlights and Visibility for Others
In rain or fog, turning on your headlights isn't just for your benefit — it makes your van visible to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Many modern vehicles have automatic lights, but check that yours are actually on when conditions dim.
JWA drivers operate in all conditions, and we support drivers who take the extra time that bad weather requires. A slow, safe route is always preferable to a fast, dangerous one.