Final answer:
When heavy rain significantly impairs visibility, reduce your speed, ensure your headlights are on, and consider pulling over in a safe place if necessary. Avoid driving through flooded areas, and ensure your vehicle is well-maintained to handle poor weather conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When heavy rain makes it extremely difficult to see while driving, it's important to take immediate steps to ensure safety. Firstly, it is advisable to reduce your speed to maintain a safe stopping distance between you and the car in front. Make sure your headlights are turned on to increase visibility, both for you and for other drivers to see your vehicle. If visibility is too poor and you do not feel safe driving, look for a safe place to pull over and wait until the rain subsides.
Avoid looking directly at very bright lights to prevent temporary blindness, as this can affect your ability to see the road clearly. Additionally, if you need to drive through flooded areas, proceed with utmost caution or avoid them entirely. Water can be deeper than it appears, and moving water can carry a car away. If the rain is part of a thunderstorm, be alert for additional hazards, such as fallen trees or power lines.
Always ensure that your car is equipped and maintained for such conditions: check your tires for adequate tread, ensure windshield wipers are functioning properly, and keep headlights clean and in good working order. Proper preparation and cautious driving can greatly reduce the risks associated with driving in heavy rain.