Adhering to road safety rules is vital if you want to stay safe on the road. As a driver, you are responsible for implementing various safety measures to reduce the risk of road accidents. Road safety is even more important when driving in wet conditions therefore, you would need to apply specific safety measures when it rains.
Here are some essential tips to help you drive safely when it rains.
Avoid Driving
Unless it is absolutely necessary, avoid driving in the rain. The best way to prevent unnecessary accidents is to avoid driving in the rain altogether. If you simply cannot avoid it, adhere to the following safety measures to reduce the chances of accidents occurring.
Slow Down
Take caution when driving in the rain, slow down and avoid using excessive speed. Just remember that your vehicle’s reaction time is considerably slower when it’s raining therefore, reduced speed is vital in rainy conditions. Slowing down will significantly reduce the chances of concussion from car accident.
Check Your Car
Make sure you check your vehicle thoroughly before setting off in wet conditions. Examine your headlights, windshield wipers, tail lights and your tires. Remember that damaged tires can reduce friction which could be extremely dangerous for wet driving conditions. Make sure that everything is in working order before you drive off.
Turn Your Headlights on
Most road safety rules recommend that drivers turn on their headlights when driving in the rain. Keeping your headlights on will reduce accident risk and improve visibility.
Utilize Your Windshield Wipers
Use your windshield wipers to clear rain droplets from your front and rear windows. Rain droplets make it more difficult to observe the road therefore, make sure your windshield wipers are working correctly to prevent avoidable accidents.
Avoid Heavy Braking
Slow down by lifting your foot off the accelerator pedal ever so slightly. Do this to avoid sudden heavy braking when you need to stop.
Keep a Safe Distance from Other Vehicles
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to prevent multi-vehicle pile-ups. A safe distance is usually one car length.
Try to Avoid Standing Water
Avoid standing water if you can by steering carefully around it or avoid areas that are likely to have standing water altogether. Driving through standing water could make you lose control of the vehicle. Therefore, safely steer the car in the direction you would like to go and softly release the gas. Avoid breaking sharply or oversteering your vehicle.
Open Your Windows
Opening your windows is the last thing you want to do in heavy rain, however, rain causes humidity which often leads to misty windows. Avoid this by opening your window slightly to ventilate the car and demist the windows.
Paying careful attention and adhering to the safety measures outlined above will significantly reduce the risk of avoidable car accidents. Slowing down, utilizing your windshield wipers, keeping your car ventilated and checking your vehicle’s equipment in advance are all effective safety measures that could keep you and other road users safe.
