Can You Drive on the Highway on Rainy Days?
3 Answers
You can drive on the highway on rainy days, as highways are generally not closed due to rain. Only in cases of heavy fog or snow will highways be closed. Below are some precautions for driving on the highway in rainy weather: 1. Ensure Clear Visibility: Before starting the car, the driver should ensure good visibility. The side mirrors can easily get wet and blur the driver's vision, so they must be wiped dry to clearly observe the movement of vehicles behind and react quickly. 2. Check Braking Performance: Before driving, promptly test the vehicle's braking system to prevent accidents caused by brake failure due to water ingress. 3. Avoid Sudden Braking on Puddles: Reduce speed when passing through puddles to prevent splashing water from obscuring the windshield. Do not slam on the brakes to avoid puddles on the highway, and maintain the vehicle's direction of travel without significant changes. 4. Inspect Electrical Circuits to Prevent Breakdown: Before setting off in rainy weather, check the vehicle's electrical circuits and address any exposed wires to prevent short circuits during high-speed driving and avoid breaking down on the highway.
Of course you can drive on the highway in rainy weather. I've done it many times, no big deal. The key is to be prepared. The tires must be relatively new with deep treads for better grip and to prevent skidding. Keep your speed under 80 km/h and maintain at least twice the usual following distance. Replace your windshield wipers regularly, as poor visibility is dangerous. I remember once driving on the highway during a heavy rainstorm—there was a lot of standing water on the road, and my car almost lost control. Luckily, I steadied the steering wheel and slowed down to pass safely. Develop good driving habits, like avoiding high beams to prevent glare and using fog lights to improve visibility. Most importantly, stay calm and don’t panic. Rain makes the road slippery, but if your car is well-maintained, it’ll be fine. If the rain is too heavy and affects visibility, it’s best to pull over at a rest stop and wait.
As a family person, I believe extra caution is needed when driving on highways during rainy days, especially when traveling with children. Rain makes roads slippery, increases braking distance, and raises the risk of rear-end collisions if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly. I usually check weather apps in advance and reschedule or take regular roads if there's a heavy rain warning. While driving, I reduce speed to about half of normal and maintain a distance of over 100 meters from the vehicle ahead. Functional windshield wipers and clear windows are essential for safety. Tire pressure should be moderate, as both overinflation and underinflation affect traction. For lighting, use low beams and fog lights to improve visibility for others. The general advice is to avoid peak rainy periods whenever possible—safety first, don't risk it to save time. Remember to carry rain gear in case you need to exit the vehicle during the trip.
