7 Road Safety Tips While Driving In The Rain
DRIVING IN THE RAIN – Here are some road safety guidelines to adhere to when driving in the rain.
Driving in the rainy season poses a significant challenge for many car owners and drivers. Even experienced professionals face car problems and accidents due to slippery roads and poor visibility caused by heavy rain showers.
In Metro Manila alone, the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System recorded over 26,000 road accidents. According to the World Health Organization’s 2019 data, more than 12,000 Filipinos lose their lives on the road each year in the country. These alarming numbers are a cause of concern for experts and Filipinos with families and children. The safety of driving on wet roads becomes uncertain.
To address this issue, we present some recommended road safety tips for the rainy season:
1. Reduce speed: Since wet roads reduce traction, it’s crucial to drive at a slower and manageable speed during rainy conditions. This helps prevent your car from skidding or hydroplaning, especially in heavy rainfall.
2. Maintain a safe distance: Keep a considerable distance between your vehicle and others to allow for sufficient stopping distance and reaction time in case of emergencies. This precaution can prevent accidents and give you time to respond if the vehicles ahead lose control or brake suddenly.
3. Check your tires: Ensure your tires are in good condition with proper tread depth to maintain traction on wet roads. Worn-out or poorly maintained tires can increase the risk of accidents in slippery conditions.
4. Use headlights and turn signals: Enhance your visibility and that of other drivers by using headlights and tail lights, even during daylight and in rainy weather. Always signal your intentions when changing lanes or making turns to avoid collisions.
5. Use windshield wipers and wiper blades: Maintain clear visibility during heavy rain by ensuring your windshield and wipers are in good working condition.
6. Stay updated on weather conditions: Check the weather forecast before driving and avoid traveling in heavy rains, flooded areas, or severe weather if possible. Exercise extreme caution and find a safe place to pull over if you encounter such conditions while driving.
7. Prepare an emergency kit: Have an emergency kit in your vehicle containing essential items like a flashlight, first aid supplies, tools, etc., to handle unexpected situations and stay safe until help arrives.
Navigating the 5 Common Road Hazards in Wet Weather
1. Flooded roads: Avoid driving through deep water as it can damage your vehicle or sweep it away. If you must cross shallow floods, do so slowly and steadily, and watch out for waves from other vehicles.
2. Slippery surfaces: Reduce speed and avoid sudden maneuvers to maintain control over your vehicle. Regularly check tire conditions to ensure sufficient tread depth for improved grip.
3. Reduced visibility: Use headlights and wipers to enhance visibility and increase the distance between vehicles to allow for more reaction time.
4. Road debris and potholes: Stay alert and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to react to sudden obstructions. Avoid driving over large potholes to prevent damage.
5. Reduced tire grip and aquaplaning: Drive at a reduced speed and avoid sudden acceleration. Follow the tracks of the vehicle ahead to minimize aquaplaning risk, and remain calm if it occurs.
Remember, road safety measures are essential, no matter how skilled a driver you may be, to avoid unfortunate accidents during wet weather conditions when traveling to and from your house and lot in the Philippines.
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