Night driving is different to driving during the day. If we had to add to this a dose of bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain and wind, this could result in nerve-wracking issues for any car driver. Accidents are more likely to happen in these conditions as visibility and car control are not at their best. Total control over the vehicle is lacking when the roads are slippery, more so when your visibility is diminished. 

First and foremost: slow down. It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather this means that you need to maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather.

 

 

Don't follow large trucks or busses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. 

Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.

Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights you should put them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.

Before the rainy season is on, replace old or brittle wipers. Bosch Wiper Blades are your best choice.#

 

If possible, stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying high winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions.

Before You Drive off

Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls – steering, clutch, brake and accelerator – and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies. 

When you begin a journey in the rain, your shoes will be wet and liable to slip off the pedals.Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine. All motorists should regularly check that their headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.

 

Check your tires on a regular basis

Bald tires significantly reduce your traction on wet roadways and offer little resistance to hydroplaning. When your tires run over water, the water is displaced, and it needs somewhere to go quickly.

With properly inflated tyres and enough tread, you should be able to control your car better. Meaning you will be able to slow down or increase speed safely. 

Be prepared

With pedestrians, children, cyclists, animals and even vehicle breakdowns, when driving at night or in wet conditions, one needs to be extra careful, giving one extra seconds to react if something out of the ordinary happens. Cyclists can be especially hard to spot if they are not wearing reflective clothing. 

 

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