If you’re a nervous driver or your vehicle isn’t equipped with high-quality windscreen wipers, driving in the rain can be a daunting experience. Rainy conditions can lead to bad driving behaviour and possibly accidents because of the oil and fuel on the wet roads. However, driving in strong winds can be just as dangerous, therefore you need to maintain a safe travelling speed and keep your eyes on the road.
Wet roads and little visibility are a bad combination. Understanding how your vehicle reacts in these conditions and knowing what you can do to change that will help you to manoeuver through any poor driving conditions. Make sure that you also reduce any distractions that may take away your attention.
While it would be ideal to wait before travelling in these conditions, it’s not always possible and it could happen while you’re already on the road. Take note of the following tips and try to apply them whenever you find yourself in a challenging weather-related situation that could be dangerous:
Driving in strong winds
Wind, strong or subtle, doesn’t exactly affect your visibility but it puts pressure on your vehicle. If you are driving at a fast speed, you could lose control of your steering wheel to the wind and cause a nasty accident. In large spaces, the wind is particularly strong as it’s not being resisted by any buildings or equipment. The most affected areas are highways and national roads, as well as tunnel areas.
Here are a few tips to consider:
- Monitor the vehicles around you: When there are heavy-duty trucks travelling beside you, make sure you monitor their driving as wind can make it extremely difficult for them to control the vehicle. It could become extremely heavy to steer and they might have difficulties staying in their lane.
- Expect large gusts of wind: When you’ve been warned about strong winds or severe weather conditions in your area, it’s important to drive slowly and focus on the road. Anything can happen in these moments, so the less distracted you are, the better it is for your personal safety. Make sure you place both hands on the steering wheel once you feel the wind affecting your balance.
Driving in heavy rain
Before the rainy season starts, make sure you equip your car with new windscreen wipers if yours are starting to rust. This will help you to clear the screen when heavy rain hits your windscreen. If you live in excessively cold or a heavy rainfall area, educate yourself about hydroplaning and what to do about it. Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle is travelling too fast, affecting the vehicle’s tyres and their ability to grip onto the road. In general rainy conditions, you need to brake sooner as your wheels become slippery.
Here are a few tips to consider:
- Don’t rush around on slippery roads: When travelling in the rain, you need to take your time. Unfortunately, these dangerous conditions will slow down your commute and cause you to arrive at your destination later than expected. But better late than sorry. Once it starts to rain, the roads are filled with leaked oil and fuel that, when mixed with rain, can cause the road to be slippery. It is always best to drive slowly when it is raining and stay focused with minimal distractions.
- Turn on your lights: Once it starts to rain, you should turn on your headlights for your own safety and that of the cars around you. Whether it’s daytime or nighttime rain, your lights are warning bells for those around you and can count in your favour if there is an accident. These are road rules and should be obeyed at all times to ensure safety on the roads in dangerous conditions.
- Keep your distance from other vehicles: When you’re travelling in the rain, and even in strong winds, be sure to keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you. You need to reduce your following time, in the event that the car in front of you needs to react quickly.
Final thoughts
The type of vehicle you drive can keep you safe in a variety of different ways. When looking to visit pre-owned dealerships and purchase a used vehicle from a well-established car dealership in Gauteng, make sure you consider the safety features as well as the glamorous features. It’s one thing opting for an affordable car, but if it cannot withstand heavy rain or windy conditions, rather save more money or apply for a loan to afford a car that will guarantee long-term safety. Speak to a professional at the various used car dealerships in Gauteng for advice on your budget and lifestyle requirements.
Advice for Safe Driving in Bad Weather Conditions and Reduced Visibility https://t.co/a2vP8wTvNf #ArriveAlive #BadWeather #ReducedVisibility pic.twitter.com/PPI4Jk2NZU
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 14, 2018
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