What should be paid attention to when driving on highways during heavy rain?
4 Answers
When driving on highways during heavy rain, it is important to check the vehicle and pay attention to parking. Below are the detailed points regarding driving on highways during heavy rain: 1. Check the vehicle: Focus on inspecting the windshield wipers. Windshield wipers are crucial components for ensuring driving safety in rainy weather, as they are rubber parts that need timely replacement. If the wipers' water-clearing ability declines, it becomes very difficult to observe road conditions while driving in the rain. Raindrops on the windshield can produce various reflections under the lights, leading to extremely blurred forward vision and increasing the risk of traffic accidents. 2. Pay attention to parking: In stormy weather, choosing the right parking spot is essential. It is advisable to select a parking lot that is elevated and open, to avoid the vehicle being submerged by water or hit by broken trees, utility poles, or billboards.
Having driven for over a decade, I can say that driving on highways during heavy rain is truly challenging. It's crucial not to speed—keep it under 80 km/h for safety, as heavy rain reduces visibility and increases accident risks. Maintain a distance of three to four car lengths to avoid rear-end collisions, and turn on your headlights and fog lights so others can see you clearly. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition; replace them immediately if they're not working, or your vision will be dangerously impaired. Another hazard is hydroplaning—avoid slamming the brakes on wet roads; instead, apply gentle, gradual pressure to stabilize the car. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid sudden turns. For long trips, consider taking breaks at rest stops and waiting for the rain to ease before continuing—it’s much safer. Also, check your tires' tread depth; older tires with poor water dispersion are more prone to slipping, which is absolutely critical to avoid.
I don't drive on highways often, and heavy rain makes me nervous. The key is controlling speed: keep it around 70 km/h, as it's easy to lose control otherwise. Increase your following distance—normally 100 meters, but in rain, make it 200 meters. Turn on your headlights to improve visibility and help you see the road better. Make sure your wipers work well; if not, pull over and replace them. Avoid sudden braking—on wet roads, hard braking can cause skidding. Grip the steering wheel firmly and drive slowly. If visibility drops below 50 meters, exit at the nearest ramp and take a break. Staying at a rest area is safer than risking it—wait for the rain to ease before continuing. Also, keep a towel handy to wipe condensation off the interior; this small prep can be a lifesaver.
When taking the family out in rainy highway conditions, safety is the top priority. I immediately reduced speed to a safe level and kept a sharp eye ahead without negligence. Doubled the following distance to prevent collisions; turned on all headlights to protect everyone. Seat belts must be securely fastened, and wipers set to the fastest speed to clear rain. Don't panic during hydroplaning, just brake steadily until regaining control. The most practical option is to find a service area to wait out the rain, then continue when the weather clears to avoid unnecessary risks.
