What should drivers pay attention to when driving in the rain?

[LaLydia]

Rainy days are prone to traffic accidents because rain reduces driver visibility and decreases friction between tires and the road, making accidents more likely. Precautions for driving in the rain: Maintain good visibility: Besides driving cautiously, promptly turn on the windshield wipers and use lights, air conditioning defogging, and other functions appropriately. Lights not only provide illumination but also signal your position to other vehicles. With low visibility in the rain, turning on lights promptly can significantly reduce accident rates. However, avoid using high beams in heavy rain as the reflection can impair visibility. Prevent tire skidding: Wet roads increase the risk of tire skidding. When turning, avoid sudden braking—reduce speed in a straight line before entering the curve. In emergencies requiring sudden braking, stay calm: either steer to avoid obstacles or brake in a straight line. Avoid braking while swerving, as this is ineffective. Drive slowly: Regardless of road width or conditions, reduce speed in the rain and constantly monitor the distance between your vehicle and others. Be mentally prepared to take emergency actions. Low visibility and reduced braking performance in the rain necessitate early deceleration to allow ample time and space for safe maneuvering. Reduce fogging: Sudden rain can lower the windshield temperature, causing interior moisture to condense into fog and obstruct vision. In such cases, use the air conditioning defogger. Master water navigation: Exercise caution on flooded roads, typically driving straight at low speed without stopping. If water levels exceed the exhaust pipe, detour. Maintain safe following distance: Avoid tailgating large vehicles, as they can block your view and may traverse water depths unsafe for smaller cars. Large vehicles also create splashes that can affect smaller vehicles. Watch for pedestrians: Umbrellas and rain gear limit pedestrians' and cyclists' visibility, hearing, and reaction times. They may cross suddenly or panic when vehicles approach, leading to slips. In such situations, slow down, yield patiently, and stop at a safe spot if necessary. Never rush or compete with pedestrians and cyclists.

[StGemma]

From the perspective of a veteran driver with 30 years of experience, the key to driving in the rain is being well-prepared and staying calm. Reduce your speed by at least 20% and increase your following distance to more than twice the usual, as braking distances are longer on wet roads. Always turn on your headlights, even during the day—use low beams to enhance visibility and ensure you’re seen. Avoid sudden steering or hard braking, as these can easily cause skidding and loss of control. Remember to regularly check your windshield wipers and tire tread depth—replace tires if the tread is shallow, as they can lead to hydroplaning on wet surfaces. On highways, be especially cautious of puddles—hitting them at high speed can cause your tires to lift and lose traction, a phenomenon known as hydroplaning. I always make sure to clean the inside of my windshield to prevent fogging before setting off, and using the air conditioning to keep it dry works well in rainy conditions. Also, stay patient—if the rain is too heavy to see clearly, pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and take a break. Getting home safely is what matters most. These details are all learned from personal experience, like a memorable accident I had on a rainy night, but with proper precautions, you’ll be fine.

[DeManuel]

As a tech-savvy amateur car enthusiast, I believe driving in rainy weather requires extra attention to vehicle maintenance and technical details. Before heading out, take time to check if the wipers clear the windshield properly and if the tire pressure is normal—I recommend keeping it close to the manufacturer's suggested value, as underinflation or worn treads increase the risk of hydroplaning. Turning on headlights is crucial; I always activate daytime running lights or low beams to adapt to poor visibility. It's best to have ABS and traction control systems, but don't rely on them entirely—on highways, manually control speed and steering to avoid accidents caused by electronic system failures. Don’t forget the defogging function inside the car; use the AC to blow air on the windshield to prevent frost. On slippery roads, I adjust my driving habits, such as keeping speeds below 60 and increasing braking distance, to avoid hydroplaning when hitting puddles at high speeds. Regular maintenance checks on lights and brake pads can prevent minor issues from accumulating. These methods help my car accompany me safely on my commute.

[SanJasmine]

From a safety-first perspective, I emphasize that the core of driving in rainy conditions is constant vigilance against hazards. Reduce speed and increase following distance to ensure the ability to respond to unexpected situations. Turn on lights to enhance visibility, even in light rain. Avoid sharp turns or sudden braking, as these can easily cause skidding. Pay special attention to waterlogged areas, as high-speed entry can lead to hydroplaning and loss of control. I also check tires and wipers to ensure they are in good condition.

[VanOscar]

Having experienced a hydroplaning accident during the rainy season, I'm acutely aware of the risks of wet-weather driving. That heavy rain nearly sent me off the road, so now I pay special attention to several precautions: checking tire tread depth and wiper effectiveness before departure, always using headlights for visibility. Maintain reduced speeds (below 50km/h) and leave extra following distance to compensate for braking delays. Avoid sudden maneuvers, especially when crossing puddles—gradually reduce speed to prevent hydroplaning. If skidding occurs, steer steadily and brake gently without panic. I've also adjusted my defogger settings to maintain clear visibility. Safety always comes first—this lesson taught me to develop regular maintenance habits.