What is the safest action when driving in heavy rain?

Reducing speed and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is the safest action when driving in heavy rain because wet conditions can significantly decrease traction and increase stopping distances. By lowering your speed, you give yourself more time to react to any potential hazards such as sudden braking by other vehicles, water pooling on the road, or loss of control due to hydroplaning.

Maintaining a safe distance is equally important as it allows for a longer reaction time and reduces the risk of rear-end collisions. When roads are slippery, a greater stopping distance is necessary to ensure you can come to a stop without sliding into the vehicle in front of you.

While pulling over until the rain stops can sometimes be advisable in severe conditions, it is not always practical, and staying in control of your car while adjusting your speed and following distance is often the best approach. High-beam headlights can create glare in heavy rain, making visibility worse, and increasing speed is counterproductive in slippery conditions.