Motoring With Tawanda Matanhire: Driving Under Rain Conditions

The rain season has come upon us and concides with the festive season when people get to travel a lot. During the holidays there is always a rise in vehicular traffic on the highway as most people will be fulfilling their long awaited expeditions. As such, the rains during this period directly contribute to high accident rates.

There is need to be disciplined as too much happiness during the period could instantly turn into sorrow.Most importantly, it is good that we always get to our destination safe. In this regard, today’s column gives you an insight on precautions one could take when driving on these busy roads during the rainy season.

Driving under light showers or a heavy downpour can be one of the most difficult driving situations a driver can encounter. Knowing how wet roads and reduced visibility affects the way your vehicle handles will help you drive safely under rainy conditions. As such here are some tips that could help you manouvre to reduce your chances of being caught up in an unfortunate situation on the road.

1. If You Can, Wait Until The Weather Improves

At times there is really no need to rush the journey when the weather is bad. If you feel uncomfortable driving in the rain and can postpone your trip or commute, wait until the weather improves before driving. There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary.

2. Double Check Your Car

Make sure that your car is in working order before encountering rainy weather. Check your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers to make sure that they will work efficiently when they are needed. Also check the tread of your vehicle’s tyres. Balding tires can severely reduce traction on wet roadways.

3. Slow Down

Not only should you adhere to the posted speed limits when driving under wet weather conditions, you should drive considerably slower than you normally would. Wet roads are very dangerous. Your vehicle’s reaction time is much slower when it is raining. Reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather.

4 . Turn On Your Headlights

Even if it is only misty, turning on your vehicle’s headlights will increase your visibility and that of other drivers on the road.

5. Use Your Windshield Wipers

While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers during light rain. Most car windshield wiper speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in light mist or during a heavy downpour. There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the windshield and to defer the collection of rainwater. Your wipers should be replaced once you hear a scraping noise or see some streaking from the blades.

6. Maintain A Safe Following Distance

Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain.

7. Avoid Heavy Braking

Try to slow down your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control so that your attention on using both the accelerator and brakes are in tune.

8. Watch Out For Stagnant Water

Driving through stagnant water can cause hydroplaning to occur. This is a situation when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas. Six inches of water can cause loss of control on the road.

9. Let Foot Off The Accelerator When Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes.

10. Ventilate Your Car

Rain causes humidity levels to increase. You may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. Most car ventilation systems include a function that will work to reduce this type of fog. It may be necessary to pull over if you are no longer able to see through your windows. Lastly, always make sure you travel in well maintained vehicles as some accidents are caused by mechanical faults.

I urge drivers to always check their vehicles before embarking on a journey or at least have a mechanic check on your vehicle to ensure everything is in order.

Adherence to the ten pointers above will go a long way in helping you eliminate being a casualty under such conditions. It is my wish that road carnage is greatly reduced this festive season. Nhau/Indaba

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