We’re still in the throes of summer. For much of the country there’s still a couple of rounds of the old ‘it’s raining, it’s pouring’ before we drift into the orangey hues of autumn, so if you’re on the road, you’d better not be snoring! Because as welcome as the rain is, driving in wet conditions can cause absolute chaos.
With rain being 1 of the main reasons behind so many of the accidents on our fair roads, motorists need to be vigilant and very cautious. To help you all, we’ve gone and compiled a list of lifesaving tips for driving in the rain.
The witching half hour
It’s well known that during the first 30 minutes of a bout of rain, roads are at their slipperiest. We don’t want to get too technical, but basically the initial drops of water mix with the grime and oil on the road surface. Next thing you know, you’re slippin’ and slidin’, so be extra careful during the hazardous, first half hour.
Make sure your car is rain-proof
Do a hands-on inspection of your tyres, fluids, lights, indicators, and wiper blades. Speaking of wiper blades, we strongly suggest that you invest in a quality set. Trust us… You, your family’s safety and the safety of others is worth every additional cent towards a decent pair.
Leave a little earlier
If we’ve learnt anything from the tale of the tortoise and the hare, it’s that being speedy isn’t going to get you there faster. This couldn’t be truer when talking about driving in the rain, where your chances of getting into an accident are increased if you speed. Rather leave earlier to allow for extra travel time and drive slowly. This way, you’ll get where you need to be on time, safely.
It’s about space
You need to leave a bit of wriggle room between you and the car in front of you in case of something unexpected, like needing to hit the brakes in wet conditions and skidding a bit or manoeuvring quickly if you need to escape a suspected smash and grab situation.
Avoid sudden movements
Sudden movements on wet roads are a definite no-no, but it does happen. You can’t always avoid slamming on brakes or jerking your steering wheel, but if you’re driving a bit slower and leaving enough space between you and the next car, any skidding or spinning should hopefully not end in an accident.
Let your light shine
Even if the sun is out while the rain pours down, make sure to let your headlights shine. The reality is that rain restricts visibility even during the day, which is why it’s always good to switch your lights on. If it’s really pouring, we suggest putting your hazards on.
What you should remember above all is that patience is vital. We get that it’s chaos out there and you just want to get off the road, but stay calm, considerate, and keep in mind these tips. And to make extra sure that you’ve got the cover you need (apart from an umbrella) consider getting super cheap car insurance that decreases every single month without fail and is there for you in the sun, rain, snow, or hail.
Also view:
Safe Driving in Bad Weather Conditions
