What Are the Precautions for Novice Drivers in Rainy Weather?
3 Answers
Precautions for novice drivers in rainy weather: 1. Brake earlier in rainy conditions: The braking distance on muddy or wet roads can be up to three times longer than on dry roads. Braking is less effective in the rain, so drive slower and brake earlier. 2. Beware of skidding: Tire treads can effectively channel away water film but are less effective against mud film. When rain first starts, dust on the road hasn't been washed away yet. This dust absorbs rainwater and forms a colloidal mud film, making tires more prone to skidding. Therefore, be cautious when rain starts and the road isn't fully wet. 3. Do not reduce tire pressure: Some people lower their tire pressure during the rainy season, hoping to increase the contact area between the tire and the road for better traction. However, this has the opposite effect. Increasing the contact area reduces the pressure per unit area of the tire on the road, weakening the force that pushes away the water film between the tire and the road, making the tire more likely to skid. Thus, lowering tire pressure doesn't prevent skidding; increasing it does. 4. Stop if visibility is poor: Poor visibility is the biggest hazard when driving in heavy rain. Even with wipers on high speed, they may not clear the rainwater from the windshield enough to see ahead. In such cases, it's best to pull over and stop, turning on your hazard lights.
When I first started driving, I was always a bit nervous on rainy days, but now I've gradually figured out some tricks. When the rain is heavy, visibility is really poor—you must keep the wipers at full speed to clear the windshield. Absolutely don’t drive too fast, especially on highways; it’s best not to exceed 80 km/h, otherwise, the risk of hydroplaning is high. Increase your following distance—leave at least half again more space than usual to prevent delayed braking. Use low beams to improve your visibility, but avoid high beams to avoid blinding others. If the rain is so heavy that you can’t see the road, turn on your hazard lights to alert drivers behind you and find a safe place to pull over until the rain eases. The key is not to rush—safety comes first. Once, I avoided an accident by pulling over during heavy rain, so beginners especially need to be cautious.
As someone who pays close attention to vehicles, I believe beginners should thoroughly check their car's condition before driving in the rain. Replace tires with severely worn treads and maintain recommended tire pressure for better wet-road grip and reduced slipping. Change brake pads immediately if they're thin, as wet roads increase stopping distances and accident risks. Ensure wipers can clear the windshield effectively; repair or replace them if necessary. Check if all lights are working, and use rear fog lights to enhance visibility—don’t overlook these details. Keep an emergency kit in the car, including a flashlight and reflective vest. Regular maintenance, like checking during oil changes, ensures peace of mind when driving in the rain. These simple steps can prevent most troubles—never take unnecessary risks due to negligence.
