If you’re driving in heavy rain, what should you do?

When driving in heavy rain, slowing down and increasing your following distance is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. Rain significantly reduces visibility and can create slippery driving conditions, which may lead to hydroplaning. By reducing speed, drivers have more time to react to unexpected situations, such as other vehicles braking suddenly or water pooling on the roadway.

Increasing following distance is equally important, as it allows for a greater margin of safety. In wet conditions, stopping distances can be longer due to reduced traction, so having additional space between vehicles not only helps avoid rear-end collisions but also gives drivers more time to respond to changes in traffic or road conditions.

In contrast, other options would either compromise safety by providing poorer visibility or increasing the risk of losing vehicle control. For example, using high beam headlights in heavy rain can create glare and decrease visibility for both the driver and others on the road. Speeding up to avoid water build-up increases the risk of hydroplaning, while frequently changing lanes can confuse other drivers and lead to dangerous situations.