How to drive safely in the rain

Netcare 911 is urging the public to be extra careful while driving in the wet weather conditions – a phenomenon that has been a daily occurrence recently and will remain so for much of the rest of the week.

Wet weather conditions are usually associated with poor visibility, so here are a few tips to make sure you are safe:

• Make sure your windshield wipers are in a good condition

• Ensure that your tyres are also in a good condition

• Make sure all head, tail and brake lights and indicators are properly functioning to ensure that other drivers can see you during heavy rains

• Turn on your headlights.

• When driving in wet weather conditions, remember to slow down (reduce speed)

• Maintain a safe following distance between vehicles

• Overtake only when it is safe to do so

• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Avoid using your phone while your car is in motion

• Most importantly, buckle up!

• Ensure that children/ babies are secured in a car child seat

• Do not drive on roads that you don’t know – flash flood alert!

Athlenda Mathe, Netcare 911 spokesperson says, “Flash floods occur within six hours of heavy rains and can find people unprepared. You will not always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming. So if you do live in areas prone to flash floods make sure you are safe.”

Below are a few tips to protect yourself and your family:

• Always memorise emergency numbers, in this case 082 911

• Avoid low-lying areas, climb to higher ground if you find yourself in the middle of a flash flood

• Avoid walking or driving through flash floods

• Abandon your vehicle immediately if you find yourself in the middle of a flash flood, open the window and escape!

Remember to call 082911, if you find yourself in need of medical assistance.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

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