Mikhail Blacer
Some places are lucky enough to have plenty of hot, sunny days. But for those unfortunate enough to experience monsoon season, here are a few crucial tips for driving under a downpour. Keep calm and drive safe!
Driving in the rain is completely different than driving on normal weather. For one, there’s less traction on the road, so it’s so easy to lose control of your vehicle. Second, visibility is minimized. Even if you have perfect vision, it’s going to be very challenging to judge the distance of cars ahead of you. One of the best ways to learn proper driving during the wet season is to know what NOT to do when it’s raining. Take a hint from these examples and know when to call it quits. If there’s flooding on the road or an upcoming typhoon, it’s okay to drive another day.
Your choice of tires will play a crucial role during rainy days. Hydroplaning occurs when the tires have little to NO contact on the pavement because of driving through water. When water is not removed, it can cause your steering wheel to jerk, making drivers pull into puddles or road sides. Picking good tires that will help with hydroplaning is important so that water doesn’t remain underneath the tires. Maintaining a comfortable speed is also suggested. Make sure to keep at least four or five cars’ length of space between you and the vehicle ahead. This will give you enough room to make quick decisions in the event that something goes wrong.
Visibility in the rain is greatly reduced, especially in heavy downpour. The rule of thumb is to never drive during such conditions. However, if it can’t be helped, a rain repellent for your windshield, side windows, and mirrors is definitely recommended. A huge factor in road accidents can be attributed to visibility. When you can see better, you can make faster decisions. A good product should provide a non-stick invisible coating that can turn water into beads for easy removal with your windshield wipers. It should also be okay to use during Winter for snow buildup.
Driving safely in the rain is not only challenging, it’s also very risky. But often, it’s unavoidable. Your best bet is to remain calm and alert all the time. Avoid ALL distractions, particularly if you would be on the road at night. This increases the danger as there are multiple obstructions you may not be prepared for (such as pedestrians, motorcycles, and even animals). Make sure your car is always in good condition. Take it to a trusted mechanic for regular tune-ups. Even if you are highly familiar with the road, avoid feeling overconfident as anything can happen.
Rain can be accounted for about 23 percent of road accidents. It may seem relaxing and even romantic to be driving around during in a drizzle, but even the lightest rain can cause vehicles to lose ground if the driver is caught off guard. Drive slow and keep off the sides of the road as much as you can.
If you or someone you know has been involved in car accident due to rainy weather, seek medical attention immediately. For compensation and/or legal issues, take advantage of FREE consultations from a local auto accident attorney.
