What should you do when it first starts raining?

When it first starts raining, using extreme caution is essential because the roads can become particularly slippery. This is often due to a combination of water mixing with oil and other residues that have accumulated on the road surface, making it slick and increasing the risk of losing traction. Extra care is necessary to maintain control of the vehicle, especially during the initial moments of rain when these conditions are most pronounced. It’s crucial to reduce speed, increase following distance, and remain alert for sudden changes in road conditions or the behavior of other drivers.

In contrast, other actions, such as speeding up to clear the water quickly, are dangerous as they can exacerbate the risk of skidding or losing control. Turning on high beams is typically not advisable in rainy conditions since it can reflect off the rain and impair visibility. Finally, taking a different route may not always be practical or necessary, especially if that route could also be affected by the same weather conditions.