Staying Safe On The Roads When The Rain Comes
Spring has sprung. In some parts of South Africa with the new season comes the first rains for summer.
It is important to take extra precautions when you are on the roads in wet weather, especially after dry periods.
Safety starts before you drive and your goal should be to see and be seen. Here are some simple, but important, tips to remember when you get caught in a downpour:
- Take Your Time: Slowing down is the only way to keep your vehicle from hydroplaning. This also gives you sufficient time to adjust to the rain.
- Wait A Bit: Remember that one of the most dangerous times to drive is soon after it begins to rain, as oils on roadway make for slick conditions. Waiting a few minutes, rather than rushing to your destination, can be a safer plan when it is raining.
- Turn Your Lights On: Turn your headlights on to help other vehicles see you – day and night. Make sure your headlights, taillights, brake lights and indicators are functioning properly so other drivers can see you in the downpour.
- Give Other Vehicles More Space: Add 1 to 2 extra seconds of following time in the rain, which gives you and the cars behind you more time to react to traffic.
- Make Sure Your Windshield Wipers Work: Replace windshield wiper inserts that leave streaks or don’t clear the glass in a single swipe. Regularly check your windscreen wipers to make sure they are still in good condition.
- Tyres: Proper tyre tread depth and inflation are vitally important to maintaining good traction on wet roads. Check tread depth and tyre pressure, including the spare, at least once a month.
