What should you do when driving in heavy rain?

• A. Speed up to reach your destination faster.
• B. Slow down, increase following distance, avoid hydroplaning, and use windshield wipers and defroster.
• C. Turn off windshield wipers to save battery.
• D. Drive in the left lane only.

Answer: (B)

When visibility and traction are compromised by heavy rain, the priority is to maintain control by reducing speed and increasing your following distance, while keeping the windshield clear. Slowing down lowers the chance of losing control on slick surfaces, and a greater following distance gives you more time to react if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops. Using windshield wipers and the defroster keeps the view through the windshield clear—wipers remove rain and defroster prevents interior fogging that would obscure your vision. This combination also helps reduce the likelihood of hydroplaning, which happens when a wet road can't channel water away fast enough and the tires ride on a film of water. Avoid turning off the wipers, avoid speeding up, and don’t stay in just the left lane—none of those improve safety in heavy rain. If possible, turn on headlights to improve visibility to others.