Final answer:
In heavy rain, use headlights, maintain a safe distance, and drive cautiously due to potentially slippery roads and reduced visibility. Heavy rain may provide better traction than light rain by washing away oil and gasoline, but it still poses risks like hydroplaning.
Step-by-step explanation:
When driving in heavy rain, it's essential to use headlights and maintain a safe following distance. Oil and gasoline build up on the road surface over time. When light rain falls, it can mix with these substances to create a slippery surface, which can reduce a car's traction and make it harder to control. However, heavy rain can help wash away the oil and gasoline, improving traction compared to conditions during a light rain. Nonetheless, heavy rain can still present challenges such as reduced visibility and potential hydroplaning. Therefore, it's always important to drive with caution, reduce speed, and ensure your vehicle's equipment, such as tires and brakes, are well-maintained and functioning properly.
In the case of swollen rivers due to heavy rains up-country, it's advised to wait until the river subsides before attempting to cross, as the fast-moving water can be dangerous and potentially sweep a vehicle downstream.