Safe Driving In The Rainy Season
Driving in the rain can be deadly because one’s visibility is reduced and there are usually hazardous and slippery conditions on the road. Therefore, one should take precautions to ensure they reach their destination safely. It is important to always keep in mind that safe driving starts immediately one has left their curb. If one wants to drive safely in the rain, they should have window cleaners, car manuals, emergency flares, wiperblades, washer fluids and cards used for road emergencies. Prior to starting the journey one should ensure their windows and windshields are clean on the outside and the inside. One should then check their headlights, brake lights, turn signals and tail lights. The car’s motor for the windshield wiper should also be checked for proper functioning and so should the blades.
Whenever rain starts dropping one should turn their headlights on along with their wipers. The lights should be on during the day and at night as well. It is also advisable for the person to reduce their speed during this time. One should also not drive too close to other cars so as there are usually poor driving conditions at this time. When it is raining too hard and one cannot be able to see other vehicles or the end of their road. The places that one can go for a stop over are at restaurants, road side malls and rest areas. When driving, one should not remove their hands from the steering wheel at anytime. They should also keep all forms of distractions like radios and cell phones away. One should also ensure that the highest speed they use is related to their tires directly. The condition of the car also matters. When it comes to traction, radial tires are the best compared to the polyester ones.
Hydroplaning during the rainy season often causes drivers to get into accidents. Hydroplaning occurs when a person’s vehicle travels on water with little or no contact with the ground. This reduces one’s traction significantly. If one wants to get out of this situation they should let the gas off and steer straight towards the place they should go. One should also remain calm and not make sudden motions. It is also advisable for the driver to avoid using flooded roads. One should never drive through flowing or standing water unless they are sure of the depth of the water. Deep water has the ability of taking cars of the road and can also flood one’s engine which can cause it to stall. As soon as the windshield starts to fog one should turn the defroster on. One should also know that water can affect their brakes and this especially applies to the Wet drum kind. Drivers should also watch out for splashing as they come to pools and potholes that contain water that has accumulated at drain pipes that have clogged. There are usually ruts on potholes as well where the traffic is heaviest and one may have the ability to position their vehicle while still in their lane in order to avoid them.