What are the main reasons for slowing down when driving a motor vehicle in rainy weather?
3 Answers
The main reasons for slowing down when driving a motor vehicle in rainy weather: the braking distance of the car will increase, rainy weather will affect the driver's field of vision, and emergency braking is prone to skidding. When driving a motor vehicle in rainy weather, it is necessary to be more careful and attentive than usual because a layer of fog will form on the car windows, obstructing the view. Additionally, when the rain is particularly heavy, the windshield wipers may not be able to clear the rainwater in time. When driving in rainy weather, it is essential to be cautious, keep an eye on the road conditions, and also pay attention to the speed. The roads outside are very slippery in rainy weather, so it is important to prevent the wheels from skidding.
After driving for so many years, slowing down in rainy weather has become a habit for me. There are three main reasons: first, the road surface becomes slippery, significantly reducing tire grip, making it easy to skid and lose control when braking; second, raindrops hitting the windshield blur visibility, making it hard to see ahead and increasing reaction time; third, during heavy rain, a water film forms, causing tires to 'float' and more than doubling the braking distance. I remember once speeding recklessly on the highway in the rain and almost rear-ending another car. Since then, I've understood that slowing down in the rain isn't just for my own safety—it also reduces risks to other vehicles and pedestrians. You really have to take it slow and steady to ensure a safe arrival.
As an ordinary driver, I always feel the need to slow down in rainy weather. The core issue is skid prevention: rainwater makes asphalt slippery, reducing tire friction coefficient by about half, making vehicles prone to skidding during sharp turns or braking. Additionally, no matter how hard the wipers work, they can't completely clear all water mist, affecting the judgment of obstacle positions. In case of deep puddles, hydroplaning may occur. At the same time, reduced visibility slows reaction time, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. I usually check tire pressure and the braking system in advance to ensure extra space is maintained under adverse conditions, keeping speed steady with gradual reduction.
