Summer vacation is approaching, and the travel market has started to heat up early. Reporters learned from major travel agencies that due to the convenience of road trips, many families opt for self-driving tours when visiting nearby cities. Travel agencies remind travelers that summer is a season of frequent rainfall, which can affect road trips. When driving in the rain, be sure to drive cautiously.
Prepare before setting out
Feng, general manager of a certain travel agency, said that since there are many rainy days in summer and self-driving offers greater flexibility, travelers should check the weather forecast before departure and plan their itinerary based on the conditions. If there’s thunderstorm weather, it’s best to postpone the trip. In addition, because of the heavy summer rains, travelers should also inspect their vehicle’s performance beforehand, especially the windshield wipers, and ensure their driving skills are up to par. If you encounter landslides, mudflows, or similar situations, never take risks—wait for assistance from relevant authorities and make sure you have reliable communication.
Maintain clear visibility
Mr. Huang, who frequently goes on self-driving tours, said that safety comes first when traveling. If you encounter rain while on the road, slow down and drive carefully. Always pay attention to the speed and direction of the vehicle in front of you, and never attempt to overtake just because it's moving slowly. Especially on highways, where speeds are relatively high and visibility is reduced due to wet roads, sudden lane changes or overtaking can easily cause wheels to lose traction, leading to skidding or collisions with other vehicles and even rollovers. He added that in addition to driving cautiously in the rain, drivers should promptly turn on their windshield wipers, and use low-beam headlights and fog lights when visibility is poor. If
Industry insiders say that in the rain, pedestrians holding umbrellas and cyclists wearing raincoats have limited vision, hearing, and reaction times. Sometimes they cross or swerve suddenly to save time or compete for transportation, often panicking and slipping when vehicles approach, leaving drivers caught off guard. In such situations, drivers should slow down, honk frequently, patiently yield, and if necessary, choose a safe spot to stop—never rush or compete with pedestrians and cyclists, to avoid knocking them down.
Learn to perform self-rescue
In summer, there is often more rainfall, and you may occasionally encounter flooded roads. Mr. Huang, an experienced driver, says that when your vehicle approaches waterlogged areas, underpasses, or deep tunnels with overflowing water, the first step is to stop and assess the water depth. The simplest rule is that the water should not exceed the height of the exhaust pipe. If it does, choose an alternate route. If the water isn't deep, proceed at a low speed in a straight line without stopping until you’re through, to prevent engine stalling or damage due to mishandling.
Additionally, when driving on rural dirt roads during rainy weather, it’s common to get stuck in mud pits. Therefore, drivers should learn some basic self-rescue techniques before setting out. Mr. Huang advises that if your wheels get stuck in a mud pit, try shifting into first or reverse gear and gently press the accelerator. Once the car begins to move forward or backward, keep the pedal steady and slowly drive out of the muddy area. If the car can’t move, place stones, bricks, wooden planks, or tree branches in front of or behind the drive wheels to increase traction and help the vehicle smoothly exit the mud.