Stay Safe on Wet Roads

The best way to stay safe on the roads when it is wet is to be somewhere warm and dry well away from your car.  As nice as that sounds, unfortunately this isn’t always a practical solution! Below are some hints on how to drive safely on wet roads regardless if you are doing long haul highway driving or making the trip to the shops and back.

• Take Your Time
  It is better to be a few minutes late than dealing with the inconvenient aftermath of an accident.  Slow down and leave even more distance between you and the vehicle in front, even more so if this is a truck or a bus.  
• See & Be Seen
  Turn your lights on to low beam if travelling during the day or in town limits.  Only use high beam where you won’t negatively impact other drivers.  Remember to keep a sharp eye out for motor bikes, cyclists and pedestrians. 
• Avoid Water On The Road
  It goes without saying that you should never drive through flood waters.  However it is also good policy to avoid puddles. Water splashing up into your car’s engine compartment might damage internal electrical systems or a pothole under the water could damage a rim or knock your suspension out of alignment. If you dont know how deep it is, avoid it. 
• See Your Way Clear
  Rain can cause your windscreen to fog up quickly. Use your demisters and the air conditioner to keep your windows clear.  Good quality windscreen wipers are a must.  Make sure you replace your wipers at least once a year to ensure they are in peak condition when you need them.   
• Skidding
  If you do happen to find yourself in a skid, try not to panic and stamp on the brakes.  Just gently ease your foot of the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the car to go. 
• Tyres Count!
  Don’t put off replacing worn tyres, they are the only thing that keeps your car in contact with the road.  See here for information on checking your tyre tread. 
• Pull Over
  If the rain gets that bad that you feel it is unsafe to continue, pull over until it has eased.  Make sure that you are easy to see and well away from the road.  Put your hazard lights on to keep you visable to other drivers.

Finally, make sure your car is safely maintained.  A regular service can pick up mechanical issues that might compound the safety problems that comes with driving in the rain.