When it begins to rain, what should a driver do?

When it begins to rain, the driver should slow down and allow for weather conditions due to several important factors. Rain can significantly reduce visibility, create slick road surfaces, and increase stopping distances. By reducing speed, a driver can maintain better control of the vehicle, react more effectively to any potential hazards, and reduce the risk of hydroplaning, which occurs when the tires lose contact with the road surface.

Adjusting speed in response to changing weather conditions is essential for safety. It helps ensure that the driver has adequate time to respond to sudden obstacles or changes in traffic patterns that can occur in wet conditions. This cautious approach is vital for not only the safety of the driver, but also for the safety of all other road users.

In contrast, driving faster than the surrounding traffic or at least the speed limit can be dangerous in rainy conditions, as it does not take into account the potential for reduced traction and increased stopping distances. Driving close behind another vehicle can lead to rear-end collisions because the stopping distance increases on wet roads, and visibility can be limited due to water spray from the tires. Hence, adjusting speed and being mindful of the weather is the safest course of action.