Drivers need to be highly alert and vigilant when driving in rainy weather, especially when approaching low level bridges that might be there no more…
People have been warned to avoid low-lying bridges that may be flooded after Tuesday night’s heavy storms in parts of the Gauteng province.
Emergency personnel were called to one flooded bridge in Sunninghill where a car was stuck in the water.
It was removed by a tow-truck before they arrived on the scene.
Emergency Service’s Synock Matobako said motorists must not take chances.
“If those roads are closed, they should use alternative roads because there could be problems if they try to drive through low-lying bridges,” he added.
(Story by Camilla Bath, Edited by Tshepiso Moche appeared on Eyewitness News)
General Tips when driving in Rain:
* Use the two- second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you.
* If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
* If you find that an oncoming vehicle is overtaking from the opposite direction and will not be likely to do it safely, slow down and be prepared to move to the left shoulder if necessary.
* Beware of oil patches. Don’t panic. Do not jam on your brakes, just steer through. In most cases, the patches will be small.
* Always change to a lower gear before you take a bend, especially a sharp bend. Your speed should be at its slowest as you enter the bend and both your hands should be on the steering wheel. This slow in/fast out technique gives you most control when driving around a bend.
* Increase your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance from two seconds to four seconds.
* Turn on your headlights.
* Be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
* Use your low-beam headlights to see and be seen. Wait a short time after the rain begins before using your windshield wipers because the blades may smear.
* Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
* Only drive when you have to!!!
Insurance and Driving in Heavy rains
We would like to alert drivers to be cautious when driving in rain.The wrong decision could impact on their car insurance as well…
The Ombudsman has recently warned that engine damage from driving through deep water might not be covered in most car insurance policies.
Also view:
Does car insurance cover water damage?
Escape and safety from a vehicle submerged under water
4×4 Vehicles and water crossings
Ombudsman says your car insurance might not cover engine damage from driving through water!!