Singing in the rain can be fun, but driving? Driving in the rain can be tricky and scary. Due to rain, the visibility and traction gets compromised significantly which becomes the prime reason for causing accidents. Here are some tips from our knowledge base to keep you safe in the rain.
First of all, Drive only if it’s necessary. Before you set off:
- Check the wipers- replace old or brittle wipers.
- Check the wiper fluid level- Make sure you maintain the maximum level of wiper fluid.
- Check your tires on a regular basis- Bald tires significantly reduce your traction on wet roadways, and offer little resistance to hydroplaning. Beside the tread also check the pressure, maintain the manufacturer recommended tire pressure.
Always keep in mind that severe weather demands your undivided attention, so be sure to reduce any possible distractions by turning the radio down or turning off that phone to keep your attention fully on the road. Keep in mind that sometimes the best driving decision you can make is to stay off the road completely until the weather clears. Since driving in the rain require more attention this is why you need to focus to your front and also check rear view mirror as well as the side view mirrors more frequently.
- Turn on the headlights– This will help you to compensate the low visibility caused by heavy rainfall and also making your car visible to surrounding traffic. Use low beams instead of high beam. High beam will create a reflection and will hurt your visibility. Use indicators while changing lanes.
- Slow down and be gentle on the accelerator- Wet condition reduces braking capability and tire grips. Driving slowly and gentle is advised for driving in the rain since you won’t be able to stop or turn as quickly. You also won’t have the same level of control. The other vehicles on the road won’t either. This becomes especially important during curves or expressway ramps. Maintaining a slow speed also helps you to be in control of your vehicle in this tricky situation.
- Maintain gap with the car in front- Keep a minimum of a good five car length from the car in front of you. You never know what other drivers are going to do or what could happen to you specially in Bangladesh! If that feels too close or too far a rule of thumb is 1 second of following distance per 16 km/h. You need to increase the following distance if the weather gets worse. Avoid Tailgate!
- Do not follow large vehicles such as trucks and buses– The visibility can be reduced significantly by the spray created by their large tires.
- Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes. Cushion of water is one of the main reason for aquaplaning- it refers to what happens when your car’s tires encounter lots of water that’s standing on the road – more than they can clear and thus all four wheels of the vehicle lose traction.
- Brake Pumping- After you pass through a deep puddle of water, pump your brakes. The water can saturate the brakes, decreasing their ability to function. Brake lightly to dry them out.
- Stay on paved surfaces– Driving off-road during wet conditions jeopardizes the traction your tires have on paved surfaces because mud and other debris can collect on them. You should also avoid traveling through puddles or open-water areas – their depth may surprise you.
Founder of Auto Rebellion | Guest writer for zerotohundred.com