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80

Driver's view · Night and weather

Heavy rain and spray on an 80 km/h road

In rain, drive below the posted limit and stretch your gap to four seconds or more.

Asked in general knowledgeShown in 2 practice questions

What it means

Heavy rain and spray on an 80 km/h road: what should you do?

Rain streaks down from a grey sky in front of your yellow bonnet. An 80 sign stands on the left verge, and the car ahead throws up spray from its wheels while its red tail lights shine back off the wet road. The limit is the top speed for good conditions. Here, with less grip and less to see, a lower speed and a longer gap give you time to stop.

What to do

  1. 1

    Turn your headlights on and ease well below 80.

  2. 2

    Double your gap to four seconds or more.

  3. 3

    Brake firmly but smoothly, as hard braking can lock the wheels.

Practice questions with this scene

80

The sign says 80 km/h but it is raining heavily and hard to see. What should you do?

Right.Not quite. The answer is C.

A speed limit is the most you may do in good conditions, and poor weather calls for a lower speed.

Source: Safe driving practice

80

Light rain starts while you are in heavy traffic on an 80 km/h road. What should you do?

Right.Not quite. The answer is A.

A wet road needs more distance to stop, even in light rain. Drop below the limit to a speed that suits the conditions.

Source: Safe driving practice

Common questions

Should you drive at the speed limit in heavy rain?
No. Slow below the limit, because a wet road takes longer to stop on and is harder to see along.
What should you do if the tyres start to float on water?
Ease off and hold the wheel straight rather than braking hard.
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