Err on the side of caution on wet roads

Be that as it may, people are still not heeding to the reminders and the warnings.

“The first rainfalls present extra challenges for drivers as grease and rubber from tyres collect on the road during the dry winter months. The coming rain is likely to start washing this away, creating even more slippery roads than normal,” says CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert.

“Skidding on wet roads can be a frightening experience that often needs a specific reaction from drivers. The most important part is to gradually reduce your speed. Don’t brake harshly and suddenly. Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Also, look where you want to be. While this may seem counterintuitive, our instinct is to steer in the direction that we are looking. Thus, if there is a tree in front of you, don’t look at the tree, rather look at where you want to be on the road,” advises Herbert.

And there are more tips:

•  Check your wiper blades to ensure that they have not perished over winter.
•  Give yourself more travel time so you do not have to rush in bad weather.
•  Adjust your speed to suit the conditions, however, do not slow down unnecessarily as this is just as dangerous.
•  Do not use cruise control.
•  Turn on your headlights – earlier rather than later.
•  Brake earlier and with more caution.
•  Avoid water that has pooled on the roads.
•  If you cannot avoid this, drive through it slowly in case there is hidden debris or potholes.
•  Increase your following distance.
•  Driving recklessly and speeding increases the chances of hydroplaning.
•  If you hydroplane, slowly lift your foot from the accelerator but do not brake harshly or move your steering wheel violently.
•  Consider going for driver training on a skip pan to learn how to react if you do lose control during rainy weather.

“Always know how to respond to each driving challenge to emerge from it safely,” concluded Herbert.

Source: MotorPress