What is the appropriate speed to drive on the highway in rainy weather?
2 Answers
When driving a car in rainy conditions, the appropriate speed should be determined based on the intensity of the rain and the type of road. If driving on a highway, it is advisable to maintain a speed below 80 km/h during heavy rain, while light rain may allow for speeds around 100 km/h. If visibility is significantly reduced, the speed should be adjusted accordingly. Driving speed in rainy weather: On regular roads, regardless of road conditions, width, or rain intensity, it is essential to reduce speed. A recommended speed is between 30 km/h and 40 km/h. This is because rain reduces the friction between the road surface and tires, and higher speeds may cause tire slippage or skidding, which can be extremely dangerous and may lead to collisions, rollovers, or drifting. Maintaining good visibility: In rainy conditions, it is necessary to turn on the windshield wipers. If the weather is dark, the low beam headlights and fog lights should also be activated. If there is fogging on the interior windshield, the air conditioning should be used to clear the fog. Additionally, the rearview mirrors should remain clear to ensure proper observation of the rear of the vehicle.
When driving on the highway in the rain, speed control is crucial. I usually drive on highways, but extra caution is needed in the rain—wet roads significantly increase braking distance. I remember one heavy downpour where I drove around 90 km/h on a road with a 120 km/h limit, and I even turned on the fog lights to improve visibility. This not only prevents skidding but also gives more reaction time if the car ahead suddenly brakes. Generally, it's recommended to reduce speed by 20%-30% compared to dry conditions—for example, lowering from 120 km/h to 95-100 km/h. In heavy rain with poor visibility, it's best to slow down below 80 km/h. Additionally, maintain at least double the usual following distance and check tire pressure to avoid accidents on wet roads. Safety always comes first—driving slower is never a bad idea, as arriving home safely is what truly matters.
