What should you do if heavy rain begins while driving?

When heavy rain begins while driving, it is essential to slow down and increase your following distance. This is important because rain can significantly reduce visibility and make the roads slick, increasing the likelihood of losing traction. By slowing down, you give yourself more time to react to any changes in traffic conditions and decrease the risk of hydroplaning, which occurs when your tires lose contact with the road due to water.

Increasing your following distance is critical as it provides a greater buffer zone between vehicles, allowing you more time to stop safely if the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes. This approach helps prevent collisions that could occur due to sudden changes in speed caused by the road conditions.

In contrast, continuing at the same speed or speeding up can lead to losing control of your vehicle on wet surfaces. Pulling over immediately could be an option in extreme conditions but is not generally recommended unless visibility is severely compromised or you feel unsafe continuing. Therefore, adjusting your speed and maintaining a safe distance is the most effective strategy in heavy rain.