What are the precautions for driving in heavy rain?
2 Answers
There are several precautions for driving in heavy rain: 1. Increase the following distance: Visibility is poor during rainy days, and pedestrians and cyclists have difficulty moving. Pedestrians wearing raincoats or holding umbrellas have impaired hearing and vision, which may delay their reaction to approaching vehicles. Therefore, you should reduce your speed, increase the longitudinal and lateral distance from the vehicle ahead and pedestrians, and pay attention to their movements. Stay calm in emergencies, observe and judge promptly and accurately, and take measures in advance. The braking distance of a vehicle in rainy weather is 20%–40% longer than in good weather, and you should also try to avoid splashing mud or water on pedestrians. 2. Maintain slightly higher tire pressure: Lower tire pressure increases the contact area of the tires, weakening braking force and extending the skidding distance. 3. If the front windshield fogs up, avoid wiping it by hand: The accident rate in rainy weather is five times higher than in normal conditions, so avoid distractions while driving. It’s better to use the air conditioning defogging mode.
During heavy rainstorms, as a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I emphasize safety and defensive driving above all else. Visibility can drop to just tens of meters in heavy rain, so it's crucial to turn on both front and rear headlights, and fog lights when necessary, to make your vehicle more visible to others. With slippery roads and reduced tire traction, reduce your speed by at least 30% and maintain at least double the normal following distance—for example, if you usually keep 50 meters, increase it to 100 meters. When encountering flooded areas, avoid rushing through as it may cause skidding or water ingress; I typically test the depth with gentle brake taps. Visibility is also key—check if your wipers are worn out, as ineffective wipers can be dangerous. Finally, find a safe place to park, such as a gas station or higher ground, avoiding underpasses or low-lying areas to prevent flooding. The golden rule is to drive slowly and prioritize safety above all else.
