What are the precautions for driving in heavy rain?

[AngelaFitz]

Precautions for driving in heavy rain are as follows: 1. Drive slowly: When driving in rainy weather, be careful to prevent tire side slip. The ground is relatively wet in rainy weather, and tires, being rubber products, experience reduced friction after getting wet, making them prone to side slip. 2. Increase following distance: When driving in heavy rain, the front windshield may fog up, affecting the driver's visibility. At the same time, the road is slippery in rainy weather, which increases braking distance. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a relatively safe driving distance from vehicles in front and behind. Additionally, when the rain is heavy, it is advisable to turn on the hazard warning lights.

[MacPatrick]

As a veteran driver with over 30 years of experience, when driving in heavy rain, I first remind myself to slow down and maintain a speed about one-third below the speed limit, as wet roads can easily lead to loss of control. At the same time, I keep at least double the usual safe distance from the vehicle in front to avoid skidding from sudden braking. I also check if the windshield wipers are working properly to ensure clear visibility, and turn on all lights, including fog lights, but avoid high beams to prevent glare from reflections. The key is to always be alert for hydroplaning—if the steering feels light or the noise suddenly decreases, I ease off the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. Additionally, if visibility becomes too poor during heavy rain, I immediately find a safe place to pull over and wait for the rain to ease before continuing. Remember to check tire tread depth; worn tires are more prone to skidding, and regular brake system maintenance is also crucial. Above all, staying calm is essential—avoid sudden turns or acceleration.

[Clifford]

As a young commuter who drives daily, I become extra cautious during heavy rain, maintaining a safety distance of at least 5 seconds to avoid rear-end collisions due to momentary inattention. I always test and set my wipers to high-speed mode beforehand to ensure clear visibility. All lights are turned on, especially the rear position lights to alert other drivers. When slowing down, I use gentle braking instead of sudden stops to prevent hydroplaning. In severe weather, I keep the cabin temperature comfortable to avoid fogged windows and turn off music to minimize distractions, focusing on monitoring rearview and side mirrors. If carrying passengers, I remind everyone to buckle up and avoid loud conversations that might divert my attention. If visibility becomes critically poor, I activate hazard lights and pull over to wait a few minutes before continuing. Regular tire pressure checks are essential, as severely worn tires pose significant risks. Above all, maintaining a calm mindset and taking things step by step is crucial.

[MacJaxson]

As a parent driving with kids in heavy rain, I immediately become extra vigilant. I reduce speed to stay slow, double the safe following distance, as kids moving around in the backseat can easily distract me. I ensure the windshield washer works properly to clear the glass promptly; turn on the width indicator lights and front fog lights to increase visibility. When slowing down, I brake gently and gradually, avoiding sharp turns to prevent rollovers. Inside the car, I activate recirculation mode to reduce fogging and prepare tissues for the kids to help wipe the windows. During the trip, I constantly remind family members to sit quietly and securely, with seatbelts fastened. If the rain becomes too heavy to see, I find the nearest parking spot to wait until it lightens, ensuring everyone's safety. After the rain stops, I remember to check tire wear—replace them if the tread is shallow—and educate the kids about the dangers of driving in the rain, fostering safety awareness from an early age.

[Louis]

As a professional long-distance driver, my experience driving in heavy rain has taught me to keep the speed low and maintain a safe following distance of at least 3 seconds to prevent rear-end collisions. The windshield wipers must be in good condition, and the rubber blades should be replaced regularly. Turn on all lights, including side markers, to increase visibility. When slowing down, be extra cautious of hydroplaning risks and apply the brakes gently. I never neglect vehicle maintenance—before each trip, I check tire pressure and tread depth, and replace brake pads if they're worn. Engine condition is also crucial to ensure no water accumulation risk. During driving, I turn off unnecessary devices to stay focused. If visibility becomes poor in heavy rain, I turn on hazard lights and pull over. Keeping emergency tools in the trunk has become a habit that significantly reduces accidents. In severe weather, I remain highly alert, treating every drive as a mission to complete.