What Should Novice Drivers Do When Driving on the Highway in the Rain?
4 Answers
Do not stop or brake suddenly too often, and avoid continuously pressing the accelerator pedal too hard. Also, refrain from overtaking when encountering other drivers cutting in. For using lights in rainy conditions, it is recommended to turn on the front and rear fog lights of the vehicle.
As a seasoned driver with years of highway experience, I believe the most crucial things for beginners driving on highways in the rain are maintaining composure and mastering basic operations. Heavy rain makes the road extremely slippery, so I recommend slowing down to around 90 km/h—speed should not be too high. Maintaining a safe following distance is absolutely essential, at least double the distance you'd keep in dry conditions, such as 300 meters or more, to allow ample reaction time for sudden braking. Don't forget to turn on your lights, including low beams and fog lights, to improve visibility for yourself and others. Ensure your wipers are functioning properly—test them before setting off. If the windows fog up, immediately activate the air conditioning's defogging function; using cold air to blow on the glass works fastest. Tires with deeper treads provide better water drainage and grip, and checking tire pressure is a basic step. If the rain is too heavy, don’t force yourself to drive—it’s safest to pull over at a service area and rest. Stay focused while driving and avoid distractions like looking at your phone; arriving safely is what matters most. With more experience, you’ll gradually get the hang of it.
I still remember how nervous I was the first time driving on the highway in the rain, with raindrops pounding on the windshield and my palms all sweaty. Now I would tell beginners not to be afraid—just slow down first, reducing speed to under 100 km/h for better stability. Lights are crucial; you must turn on the headlights so others can see you clearly. Maintain a greater following distance, counting to four seconds when trailing another car to ensure enough buffer in case of sudden braking. Adjust the wipers to the right setting to keep the windshield clear, and use the AC defog function frequently—turn on the cold air if fogging gets heavy. Stay calm, grip the steering wheel firmly, and don’t panic. If heavy rain obstructs visibility, pull over to a service area or the emergency lane, turn on the hazard lights, and wait for the rain to ease. Tire condition is vital—replace them if the tread is worn. Safe driving starts with attention to detail. With more experience, the nervousness will fade naturally.
For new drivers, encountering rain on the highway can indeed be a bit nerve-wracking, but it's actually not difficult. I recommend first reducing your speed to below 100 km/h, as wet roads mean you shouldn't drive too fast. Turn on your lights to ensure both front and rear are illuminated, and use your fog lights as well. Increase your following distance to at least 200 meters to prevent rear-end collisions. Keep your wipers on at all times, and use the defog mode on your air conditioning to clear window fog. Keep your full attention on driving—no chatting or looking at your phone. If the rain is too heavy and affects visibility, pull into a service area to rest. Safety first—don't push yourself. With a few more drives, you'll gradually build confidence.
