How should a driver respond to heavy rain?

Responding to heavy rain requires a driver to adopt precautions that enhance safety and control. Slowing down and ensuring good stability is crucial because rain can create slippery road conditions. Reducing speed helps improve the driver's reaction time, allowing for better control of the vehicle in potentially hazardous situations such as skidding.

Heavy rain can significantly reduce visibility and traction, leading to an increased risk of hydroplaning, which occurs when water on the road prevents the tires from making full contact with the surface. By driving at a lower speed, the risk of losing control is minimized, and the vehicle is more responsive to steering inputs, enhancing stability and safety.

In contrast, speeding up during heavy rain could lead to dangerous conditions, as hydroplaning is more likely at higher speeds. Using high beams in such conditions can create glare and further reduce visibility, while ignoring spray from other vehicles can put the driver and others at risk due to reduced visibility and loss of control.