Be Cautious While Driving During the Rainy Season
With the arrival of the rainy season, the Freeway Bureau reminds road users to ensure driving safety. Before traveling, it is essential to check the functionality of windshield wipers, tire treads, and tire pressure. While driving in the rain, please turn on your headlights and maintain a safe driving distance to protect yourself and others.

The Freeway Bureau emphasizes that rainy weather often brings dim lighting, and splashing water can obstruct visibility. Therefore, drivers should ensure their windshield wipers are functioning properly before setting out. Additionally, using air conditioning, defoggers, or water-repellent sprays can help maintain clear visibility through windows and rearview mirrors.

Moreover, if tire treads are insufficient, water on wet or puddled roads may fail to drain properly through the treads, creating a water film between the tires and the road surface. This phenomenon, known as "hydroplaning," can cause the vehicle to lose control, posing significant danger. Road users are advised to check tire treads and pressure before driving.

The Freeway Bureau further suggests turning on headlights while driving in the rain to make your vehicle more visible to others. Maintain a larger-than-usual safe distance from the vehicle in front, and avoid unnecessary lane changes. If hydroplaning occurs during your journey, stay calm, immediately release the accelerator, firmly grip the steering wheel, and allow the vehicle to glide forward until control is regained. Avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding or losing control.

The Freeway Bureau also provides real-time weather updates through Changeable Message Signs (CMS) along highways. Road users can enable the "Customized Push Notifications/Road Condition Event Push (LBS)/Weather Events" feature in the Freeway 1968 App to receive text and voice alerts.

The Freeway Bureau reminds drivers that, according to Article 109, Paragraph 1, Item 3 of the "Road Traffic Safety Rules," vehicles must turn on headlights when encountering heavy fog, rain, snow, dim lighting, or poor visibility. Additionally, Article 14 of the "Highway and Expressway Traffic Control Rules" stipulates that vehicles on the highway must not have tire tread depths below the required standard. Violating these regulations may result in fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$6,000 under Articles 33, Paragraph 1, Items 6 and 16 of the "Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act."

Lastly, the Freeway Bureau urges drivers to check vehicle conditions before driving in the rain and exercise extra caution during their journey. Always stay alert to ensure driving safety.

Source: Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Freeway Bureau
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