When driving in the rain, what should you do?

When driving in the rain, slowing down and increasing your following distance is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring safety. Rain creates slippery road conditions, which can reduce tire traction and increase the likelihood of hydroplaning. By reducing speed, you allow yourself more time to react to any unexpected situations or hazards, such as other vehicles suddenly braking or sliding.

Increasing your following distance is equally important because it provides a buffer space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This extra space is vital as it gives you more time to stop if the vehicle in front of you encounters problems due to the wet conditions. It also helps mitigate the impact of road spray that can reduce your visibility.

Engaging the other options may create dangerous driving conditions. For instance, accelerating to maintain control can lead to loss of traction, while using high beam headlights in the rain can cause glare and further reduce visibility. Driving as normal in adverse weather conditions disregards the specific risks that come with rain-slicked roads. Therefore, adjusting your speed and following distance is a proactive approach to safely navigating in rainy weather.