Driving safety is a must regardless of the
driving conditions however, driving during difficult situations such as rain
requires more vigilance. Car drivers need to know how to remain in control of
the vehicle while driving on slippery roads to avoid accidents. Some of the
safety measures that car drivers should instantly adopt once it starts pouring
are to reduce speed and make sure that the windshield is clear so that they can
see what is ahead of them. Due to rain, the safety technologies might get
affected as their camera or radar may be blocked. So, car drivers need to
be attentive and careful while driving in such weather.
There is no need to panic in such situations,
and in case they are unable to continue driving, it is best to find a suitable
spot and park the car. Several measures can help car drivers reach their
destination safely during a heavy downpour.
Maintaining
Safe Distance
Tailgating is discouraged in all situations,
but it should be especially avoided when it is raining. By maintaining a safe
distance, car drivers can make sure that they can brake timely in case
the vehicle in front of them stops unexpectedly. In case the driver of
the car in the front cannot control their car, the car may skid which can
result in a collision. If motorists maintain a safe distance, they will be able
to avoid such accidents.
Heavy
Braking
The second thing car drivers should keep in
mind is that brakes can be gravely affected by water. They may lose their
power every time the motorist brakes heavily which can become a safety
hazard in emergency situations. During rain, the motorist may find themselves
in a skid or hydroplaning, and in both situations, their first instinct will be
to brake heavily. This can be detrimental to the car brakes, so it is best to
avoid that impulse and be gentle. Car drives can maintain the speed of the
vehicle, go easy on the brakes, and always maintain their control on the car
to protect the vehicle’s brakes and avoid inconvenience during rain.
Firm
Control on the Steering Wheel
Rain will be challenging for maintaining
control of the vehicle, so it is not the best time to relax and let go of the
steering wheel. Instead, car drivers must make sure that they have both
hands on the steering
wheel and they are in complete control of the car. They cannot afford
any kind of negligence such as snacking.
Defogging
Windows and Windshield
During rain, the windows of the car tend to
fog up because of the difference inside the cabin and outside. Car drivers need
visibility in such driving conditions, so they need to make sure that the
windshield and windows do not fog up. This can be done by turning on the AC
and rolling down the windows (only a few centimeters so that the rain does
not enter the cabin). For the windshield, use the defogger and wipers to
keep a clear line of sight. You can also keep a clean rag in the car to clean
the windshield in case the windshield is not clearing up with the defogger.
Do not
Drive into Puddles
It is only natural for the road to have
puddles during heavy rain, but the driver should avoid driving into one at all
costs. If it is a deep puddle, then they can risk water entering the
electrical system of the car. In case they do not have a choice but to
drive through a puddle, they should slow down, apply brakes lights so
that the water is removed from the rotors as they cross the puddle.
Turn on
Headlights
As visibility during rain is a challenge, it
is best to turn on the headlights. This will not only help the car driver but
also others on the road. Other motorists will be able to see the vehicle
approaching and maintain a safe distance.
Make Sure
Wipers Work
Car maintenance should never be taken lightly
especially if you are about to drive into a heavy storm. Make sure that the
wipers of the car work properly and there is enough wiper fluid in case you
need to clean the windshield. Damaged wiper blades should be replaced, and
it is best to avoid driving if the wipers are not fully functional.
Bottom
Line
Driving during rain or even on slippery
terrain is a difficult task that can even challenge experienced drivers. If the
weather conditions are severe, it is best to avoid going out but in case
of urgency, it is best that the drivers are attentive and in complete control
of the vehicle. The tips that are mentioned above can prove to be beneficial in
case of heavy rain.
Also read: 5
Ways Cold Weather Affects the Car’s Fuel-efficiency
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