How to keep safe in these wet conditions

With wet conditions set to continue, ER24 has issued some helpful tips to stay safe on the roads.

Driving in wet weather conditions increases your chances of being in a collision.

Rain affects visibility of vehicles, pedestrians, the road and road signs.

It also affects the visibility of possible dangers such as potholes and items that are swept onto the road.

Below are some tips:

1. Ensure that your windscreen wipers are in good working order. If they are not, have them replaced immediately.

2. Before driving, listen to weather and traffic reports. There may be heavy downpour, flooding or certain roads may be closed to traffic. These reports will help you decide if you can still drive or if you should rather wait.

3. If you decide to drive in the rain, ensure you put your headlights on. Pay close attention to what is happening around you and keep a safe following distance.

4. Do not speed. Refrain from breaking or accelerating harshly. You could easily lose control of the vehicle in wet weather.

5. Do not be impatient while driving. Driving to your destination in these conditions may take longer but rather get to your destination safely instead of rushing and risking your life and that of others.

6. Avoid driving through puddles, flowing water and waterlogged bridges. You could damage the vehicle or be swept away in it, depending on circumstances.

7. Remember that heavy downpour or storms can result in trees being uprooted, tree branches being broken as well as other dangerous items flowing onto the road.

8. If visibility is bad, rather pull over in a safe area if possible and wait for the rain to ease up. Keep your headlights and hazard lights on.

9. Oil and other dirt is washed off the road when it rains. This poses a danger to motorists as the roads become slippery. Drive with caution at all times.

10. Pedestrians are also urged not to walk in rainy, low visibility weather or to cross rivers, walk on riverbanks or areas that are flooded. Depending on circumstances, a vehicle could knock you over; you could lose your balance or sustain injuries from items that may be floating in moving water or flooded areas as well as be swept away in heavy flow.

Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 414 6709. 

Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!