What are the precautions for driving in rainy weather?
2 Answers
Precautions for driving in rainy weather are as follows: 1. Slippery road surface: Wet and slippery roads reduce tire grip, leading to loss of control when turning or overtaking. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce speed appropriately and minimize lane changes and overtaking maneuvers. 2. Impaired visibility: Rain significantly affects visibility by blurring the rearview mirrors. To prevent rain from entering the vehicle, most people roll up their windows, which can cause fogging inside the car. 3. Driving through water: During rain, puddles inevitably form on the road. Driving through these puddles can splash water onto pedestrians and pose a threat to vehicle safety. 4. Vehicle inspection: As the rainy season approaches, some vehicles may experience issues like worn-out wiper blades that don’t clean effectively or leaking sunroofs. It is recommended to visit a 4S shop in advance to inspect certain vehicle components. Check if the wiper settings function properly, if the wiper blades clean effectively, and if the sunroof drainage channels are clear. 5. Proper use of lights: Rain affects visibility, so it is necessary to turn on the vehicle’s lights. Turn on the headlights and parking lights, and use fog lights and hazard lights when necessary. Specifically, when visibility drops below 200 meters, turn on the fog lights, low beams, and headlights. If visibility falls below 100 meters, also activate the hazard lights. 6. Watch for pedestrians: Umbrellas can severely obstruct pedestrians’ vision. When encountering pedestrians, slow down and yield, and use the horn or flashing lights to alert them.
When driving on rainy days, I focus on several key points. Speed must be reduced as wet roads have less friction, and braking distances can be more than double those on dry roads—driving too fast increases the risk of losing control. It's also important to increase the following distance, ideally maintaining twice the usual gap, so there's buffer space in case the car ahead brakes suddenly. Lights must be turned on; daytime rain reduces visibility, so using headlights helps others see you clearly, improving safety. Tire condition is crucial—worn treads can lead to skidding, so I regularly check to ensure strong grip. Wipers must function properly; if they don’t clear the windshield well, visibility is obstructed, so I inspect and replace them in advance. When passing through standing water, go slowly without accelerating, as speed can cause hydroplaning and loss of control. If the windshield fogs up, use the air conditioner’s defogger to maintain clear visibility. Stay calm and avoid taking risks due to time pressure—these are lessons I’ve learned from decades of driving experience.
