The landfall of Typhoon Lekima brought copious rainfall, and the past few days have been marked by persistent overcast and rainy weather. Rainy conditions, however, are a high-risk period for traffic accidents: statistics show that the accident rate on rainy days is five times higher than on dry days. This is because rain reduces drivers’ visibility, decreases tire traction, and—combined with the gloomy mood that rainy weather can induce—significantly increases the likelihood of crashes. So what precautions should drivers take when it’s raining? Today, I’ll share some essential safety tips.

1. Driving at low speed

Puddles on the road act as a “lubricant,” reducing the friction between the road surface and the tires, which in turn increases the vehicle’s braking distance. The faster the vehicle is traveling, the longer the braking distance becomes; moreover, when braking at high speeds in rainy conditions, skidding is highly likely, potentially causing the vehicle to lose control.

2. Turn on the hazard lights

When driving on the highway in rainy weather, drivers’ visibility of the road surface is limited, and the high humidity and dense fog further impair their sight. It is therefore recommended that drivers switch on their hazard lights according to actual road conditions, and activate the fog lights when visibility is poor and fog is heavy.

3. Pay attention to the distance between the two vehicles.

On rainy days, vehicle steering is affected by reduced braking performance, increased braking distance, and impaired driver visibility; therefore, drivers should maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.

4. Reduce fog formation

While driving, it suddenly starts to rain outside, causing the outside temperature to drop and, consequently, the temperature of the windshield to fall as well. At this point, the water vapor inside the cabin condenses on the windshield, forming fog that obstructs your view. In such a situation, never try to clear the fog by holding the steering wheel with one hand and wiping the glass with the other—instead, turn on the air conditioner’s defogging function.

The four points above are the precautions to take when driving in the rain. Golden Sphere Petrochemical reminds you: roads are slippery in the rain—drive carefully.