What Precautions Should Be Taken When Driving in the Rain?
2 Answers
When driving in the rain, it's important to pay attention to your speed, among other things. Here are some relevant tips for driving in the rain: 1. Speed: Adjust your speed appropriately according to the intensity of the rain. For example, when driving on mountainous roads during heavy rain, set your windshield wipers to the fastest speed (if they still can't clear the water completely), turn on your hazard lights, reduce your speed (to around 30-40 km/h), drive cautiously, and honk more frequently on curves. 2. Driving: Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns of the steering wheel, as these actions may cause skidding and lead to danger. 3. Parking and waiting: If the rain becomes too heavy, find a safe spot to pull over and wait until the rain lessens or stops. 4. Stay alert and watch for water accumulation: Many drivers encounter hazardous "traps" such as standing water, potholes, or debris on the road during rainy conditions. Besides staying focused, ensure your windshield wipers and defoggers are on to maintain clear visibility through the front and rear windshields for accurate judgment of the road conditions. At night, when visibility decreases further, these "traps" become even more dangerous. Always keep an eye on the road ahead and pass through any hazards at a low speed.
I always drive extra carefully on rainy days because the wet road surface becomes slippery, and the braking distance can double. I reduce my speed to a safe range, for example, dropping from 100 km/h on the highway to around 80 km/h. At the same time, I increase the following distance—normally leaving a three-second gap, but in the rain, at least five seconds is safer. Checking the windshield wipers is a must; if the rubber blades are worn, they need to be replaced, or visibility becomes dangerously poor. Tire tread depth is also crucial—regularly check the tire pressure, or the car may skid when turning. Remember to turn on the low beams, but avoid high beams to prevent glare from reflections. Once, I didn’t pay attention to my speed in the rain and almost rear-ended the car ahead—since then, I’ve made it a habit to check the weather forecast before heading out and always keep anti-fog spray and a towel in my bag. Safety comes first; it’s better to be late than to rush.
