What should drivers do when they encounter heavy rain while driving?

When driving in heavy rain, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is crucial for several reasons. Heavy rain can significantly reduce visibility and increase stopping distances due to wet road conditions. When drivers keep a safe distance, they give themselves more time to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops by the vehicle in front of them or hydroplaning. This buffer space is especially important in heavy rain, where the risk of skidding or losing control is heightened.

On the other hand, increasing speed to clear water quickly can be dangerous as it may lead to hydroplaning, where the tires lose contact with the road surface. Using high beam headlights is not advisable in heavy rain since it causes glare and reduces visibility due to the reflection off the rain. Lastly, turning off headlights can severely hinder visibility for both the driver and others on the road, creating a much more hazardous situation. Therefore, maintaining a safe distance is the best practice in adverse weather conditions like heavy rain.