What is the safest speed to drive on the highway in rainy weather?
3 Answers
Driving at 80 to 90 km/h on the highway in rainy weather is appropriate. Highway driving in rainy conditions: Driver visibility is obstructed, tire friction is reduced, traffic congestion is more likely, and the safety factor of driving in the rain decreases, making traffic accidents more probable. Drivers should control their speed, maintain moderate driving, and avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking. The driving speed in rainy weather should be lower than in clear conditions, especially on waterlogged roads, where reducing speed is necessary to prevent skidding, while also increasing the following distance. In case of any situation, take early preventive measures, observe the dynamics of surrounding vehicles, avoid cutting into lanes, and refrain from overtaking whenever possible. If the road surface has about two millimeters of water accumulation, the speed should be reduced to the minimum. Due to the decrease in road surface adhesion coefficient, not only is the braking distance extended, but the vehicle's anti-skid ability is also significantly weakened. Therefore, the use of emergency braking on highways in rainy weather should be avoided as much as possible. According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law": When visibility is less than 200 meters, drivers should turn on fog lights, low beams, marker lights, and front and rear position lights, with speed not exceeding 60 kilometers per hour, maintaining a distance of more than 100 meters from the vehicle ahead in the same lane. When visibility is less than 100 meters, turn on fog lights, low beams, marker lights, front and rear position lights, and hazard warning flashers, with speed not exceeding 40 kilometers per hour, maintaining a distance of more than 50 meters from the vehicle ahead in the same lane. When visibility is less than 50 meters, turn on fog lights, low beams, marker lights, front and rear position lights, and hazard warning flashers, with speed not exceeding 20 kilometers per hour, and exit the highway at the nearest exit as soon as possible.
I've been driving on highways for nearly twenty years, and on rainy days I reduce my speed to around 60 mph. The heavier the rain, the more blurred the vision and the more slippery the road surface becomes. Hydroplaning can easily cause the car to lose control, especially when braking distances more than double at high speeds. Driving too fast in these conditions not only puts yourself at risk but also affects the vehicles behind you. Remember to check your tire tread depth, maintain a safe following distance of at least three seconds, and if the rain becomes too heavy, turn on your hazard lights and pull over to rest temporarily. Safety is far more important than saving time.
As a car enthusiast, I usually study traction and braking systems. Maintaining a speed of 50-60 mph on highways during rainy days is the most stable. Slippery road surfaces reduce tire grip, and excessive speed can easily lead to hydroplaning, causing the vehicle to become unstable. It is recommended to turn on headlights and fog lights to improve visibility, avoid sudden braking or sharp steering, and regularly check tire pressure to prevent dangerous situations when rain suddenly intensifies.
