Driving in the rain can be a daunting experience, especially with cats and dogs falling from the heavens.
With December rains being on the horizon for the city, the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) was contacted for their input on how road users can manage driving in the rain.
“Motorists are advised to make use of the many journey planning apps available that advise on best routes to take including delays due to accidents,” said JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters Scheepers on November 8. “JRA also issues traffic alerts to inform motorists of flooded areas including flooding hotspots or bridge overtopping or closures due to infrastructure damage.”
Peters Scheepers also shared advice for new drivers towards assisting them with circumnavigating their way safely through northern Johannesburg. She encourages newer drivers to bear in mind that all roads are slippery during rainy conditions.
The technical reason for this, according to Peters Scheepers, is that the water on a road causes a loss of friction when it rains: The water fills in the tiny pits in the road surface, resulting in a smoothed-out surface as tires move over wet roads.
“As a result, the normal heat and friction created when a vehicle drives on a dry tarred road is decreased, leading to a surface that is more slippery than when dry,” Peters Scheepers added in conclusion. “Also, any existing spillages on the road surface such as oil could add to slipperiness.”
JRA’s advice for staying safe when driving in wet weather
- Roads may be washed out under flood waters. Turn around when you encounter a flooded road.
- Never walk, ride, or drive through floodwater.
- Even if the vehicle in front of you successfully crosses a water covered road, it is best of find an alternative route or wait.
- Low water bridges are designed without rails. Do not attempt to cross the bridge if there is water flowing over it. The extent of the damage to the bridge cannot be seen.
- Always turn your headlights on.
- Drive according to the conditions, the speed limit is not a target. Reduce speeds during poor visibility and slippery conditions.
- Allow for extra room between you and the car ahead.
- Turn on your hazard warning lights when standing still.
