With spring well under way and the tentacles of a long, hot summer reaching into the final quarter of the year, people are out and about in anticipation of a well deserved holiday.
With spring well under way and the tentacles of a long, hot summer reaching into the final quarter of the year, people are out and about in anticipation of a well deserved holiday.
With the advent of the summer rainfall season, major construction on our roads and a large amount of unroadworthy vehicles, it is prudent to be aware of the potential hazards that are likely to occur due to slippery roads.
The Automobile Association (AA) has some simple tips for motorists to help avoid these hazards when driving in wet conditions with the impending rainy season almost upon us. Firstly, it is a good idea to always keep your headlights on, even when driving in broad daylight. Avoid accelerating abruptly, braking suddenly and sudden steering movements as sudden stops and turns may cause skidding on the road.
Maintaining a safe following distance is something that we too often forget and could be the difference between stopping in time or a ten car pileup, remember too that your car needs more distance to stop on wet roads, so leave extra distance for braking.
•Allow extra distance for braking, your car needs more distance to stop on wet roads
•Cloudy and rainy weather reduces visibility so take extra care when passing other vehicles
•Increase your following distance. Allow at least 4 to 8 seconds between your car and the car in front of you
•Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the water is below the bottom of the wheel rims. If you have any doubt, don’t drive through the pool of water- find an alternative route
•If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly in a low gear, holding the steering wheel steady.
•After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or if you drive through standing water, lightly apply the brakes to dry them out a bit
•If you have car trouble, turn on your hazard lights and pull completely off the road
•Carry a cellular telephone to summon help if needed but never use it while driving (unless you have a hands-free kit)
“Driving in the rain can be a safety hazard and if motorists are aware of the precautions they must take, not only will they save their lives but the lives of others,” says Gary Ronald, head of public affairs at the AA.
“We share the road with hundreds of thousands of motorists and we all need to be courteous of each other when driving not only in wet weather but during all types of road conditions.”
