Should You Drive Slowly or Quickly Through Puddles?
2 Answers
You should drive slowly. After heavy rain, there is often a lot of standing water on the road. It is very important to reduce your speed—firstly, to ensure safety on slippery roads, and secondly, to avoid splashing water onto pedestrians. Imagine driving through a puddle at high speed and splashing dirty water onto nearby pedestrians. You should always pass through puddles slowly: When driving in the rain, always brake gently: Avoid sudden braking. Most sedans can handle water depths of 15-20 cm in urban areas without issues. The key is to avoid driving too fast and minimize splashing by using a low gear. Do not drive at high speed through ditches or puddles: Excessive speed can cause water to splash, increasing the actual wading depth and potentially leading to engine water intake. Avoid driving through water if it exceeds the centerline of your tires. Clean the side mirrors promptly: Raindrops accumulating on the side mirrors can create blind spots for the driver, so clean them regularly. When changing lanes, drivers should also look carefully and stay alert. If the rain or thunderstorms are severe, park the car in a higher location to avoid flooding.
I believe driving through puddles must be done slowly, as going too fast carries significant risks. Firstly, the splashes can be very high, and if they hit a pedestrian, not only will their clothes get soaked, but it might also provoke anger and lead to unnecessary disputes. One day while driving, I encountered a puddle with a cyclist nearby. By slowing down, the splashes were much smaller. Additionally, speeding through a puddle increases water pressure, making it easier for water to enter the engine's air intake, potentially causing the car to stall. Last year, my friend's car suddenly stopped on the road due to this issue, and the repairs cost a lot. Driving slowly allows better control over speed and direction—for example, there might be potholes beneath the puddle, and a slow approach prevents wheel slippage or damage to the chassis. Driving is a small matter, but safety comes first. Developing good habits helps avoid trouble. Moreover, driving slowly gives you more time to observe road conditions and reduces the chance of accidents. In short, it's better to spend a few extra seconds driving slowly to ensure safety for yourself and others.
