Driving Safely in the Rainy Season

Driving Safely in the Rainy Season

1. Check the condition of your car thoroughly before traveling. Inspect the brakes, steering wheel, fluid levels, tire pressure, and defrost system to ensure they are in good working condition for a trip that may encounter heavy rain.
2. Prepare quality emergency equipment. Being prepared for unexpected situations in advance can help reduce costs from using emergency services and minimize stress if your car breaks down during the trip. Basic emergency equipment should include a spare tire, flashlight, fuses, air pump, clean water, basic first aid supplies, and a highly visible distress sign.
3. Check the windshield wipers to ensure they are in good condition and ready to use. If the wiper blades are worn or damaged, replace them immediately to maintain clear visibility while driving in the rain.
4. Drive cautiously! Pay attention while driving and maintain a safe and appropriate speed at all times. Driving at high speeds is especially dangerous during the rainy season, as rainwater can form a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, reducing traction and making it more difficult to control the car.
5. Turn on your headlights while driving in the rain. Always turn on your headlights when driving in the rain, as this not only helps you see objects on the road more clearly but also allows other drivers to see your vehicle from a distance.
6. Avoid sudden or hard braking. Gradually apply the brakes to slow down as this is the most appropriate driving technique. If you brake harshly, your car may skid.
7. Drive with awareness and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Wet roads require more time and distance to brake in case of an emergency. Driving cautiously and avoiding following large vehicles or trucks too closely will increase safety, as the rear wheels of large vehicles often splash water onto vehicles behind, potentially impairing visibility.
8. Avoid deep puddles. Drivers cannot know the condition of the road beneath the water surface. If you drive into a deep puddle at high speed, your vehicle's front bumper and radiator may be severely damaged, or water splashing into the engine compartment may cause the engine to stall.
9. Be alert to warning signs or obstacles on the road. If you see flooded roads ahead, avoid driving through them, especially in unfamiliar areas. Look for safer alternative routes.
10. Drive slowly through flooded areas. If you must drive through standing water on the road, proceed slowly. Do not drive through flowing water or if you do not know the depth of the puddle. Stop before reaching the flooded area and check the water depth. Generally, if the water level is higher than the door edge or higher than one-third of the wheel when measured from the road surface, do not drive through.
11. When your car gets stuck in a pothole, shift to first or second gear and accelerate slowly. Do not rev the engine too much, as it will cause the wheels to spin freely, making the car sink deeper into the hole.
12. Sudden downshifting during heavy rain can be very dangerous. On wet roads, rapid gear changes can impact wheel and tire speed, potentially causing the car to skid and lose control, increasing the risk of accidents. Drivers should exercise extra caution when downshifting on slippery roads, particularly when driving uphill on slopes.

Best wishes from Vibhavadi Hospital.

Source: ASTV