How to Safely Drive in Rainy Weather – AutoPH 101

It’s a few weeks before the month of June. The sixth month of the year usually signals the start of the rainy season in the Philippines. While we are still experiencing the extreme heat this summer is giving us, maybe we should prepare ourselves for the season of wet roads. Driving in the rain is quite difficult. It may seem easy but we always need to be extra cautious when we’re in that kind of situation. Whether it’s a heavy downpour or  just light drizzle, we should always be cautious. 

Rain is a part of our life and of the earth’s natural cycle so it is pretty much unavoidable, especially in a tropical country like ours. Many of us have learned to adapt to the different weather situations like rain, many of us still need additional knowledge about safely driving in the rain. More accidents happen in rainy weather because of the road condition. Rainy weather usually means slippery roads, limited visibility, and an increased risk of accidents. Here I put together some useful tips for driving safely in the rain.

Slow Down

Slow down and reduce your speed when it starts raining, especially if it’s a heavy downpour or low visibility. It is extremely dangerous to drive fast in this kind of weather condition. Wet roads will affect the reaction time of your vehicle to braking and steering, more so on the expressway where the roads are covered in asphalt. Asphalt roads are generally more slippery than the usual concrete-paved roads. Slowing down will also increase your reaction time on what to do while driving especially when there’s less to zero visibility on the road. 

Switch On Your Headlights

Switch on your headlights when it starts raining. Switching them on does not only help you see the road better when it’s raining, it also helps you be more visible to the other vehicles around you.

Switch On Your Windshield Wipers

This is a general rule and already a habit to most. Unfortunately some drivers still forget. The wipers are not just there to clean your windshield from dust or any other kind of dirt, its main purpose is to help clear the windshield when it’s raining. Most if not all cars come with intermittent speed wipers which means the speed wherein they wipe is adjustable depending on the situation you’re in, you can set it from slow to very fast depending on what you need. Other vehicles also come with automatic wipers which turn on as soon as water is detected on the windshield by a sensor.

Increase Distance Between Cars

It is a must to follow at least the two-second rule when driving or a little over two car lengths in between your car and the car in front of you. When it rains however, you should increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you more than the standard. This is because of the added difficulty caused by the road condition. This will give you enough time to perform and emergency maneuvers, and lessen the chance of accidents.

Avoid Heavy Braking

Don’t slam the brakes too hard, instead, release your foot from the accelerator or the gas pedal to aid in preparing for a stop. Lightly and slowly apply pressure to the brake pedal as needed. Heavy braking on slippery roads would increase the chance of your wheels locking which will make your tires lose traction. You’ll most likely end up spinning your vehicle around and get into an accident.

Avoid Flood or Standing Water/Puddles

Be alert when driving in the rain and avoid standing waters or puddles. Running over puddles may cause Hydroplaning or Aquaplaning. This can cause serious accidents. Hydroplaning or Aquaplaning happens when your vehicle runs over collected flood water on the road and your tires ride on top of the water instead of on the surface of the road. During this time, it can be scary for drivers, new or experienced, because you likely won’t have control of the steering and may feel helpless in this situation. This also usually happens when driving at speed, so this is one reason to add to the first tip in this article.

In addition, driving over standing water and puddles can be unsafe for other vehicles and even your own. Depending on the situation, the water may splash onto other vehicles’ windshields or even yours. If the water is muddy, it can also obstruct their view or even your own just like in this example.

Car Ventilation

Your car ventilation is also important and should be given attention too. Windows often become foggy when it’s raining outside and it could block your view while driving. Activate your car’s defogger when this starts to happen.

STOP USING HAZARD LIGHTS When Road Visibility is Low

This is one mistake most people make, ALWAYS. Many drivers turn on their hazard lights when visibility gets low. They reason out that it’s so that they’ll be visible to other vehicles around them. That is not the purpose of hazard lights. Instead turn on your headlights and if available, your rear fog lights.

Using the hazard lights is also dangerous as it eliminates the turn signals in most cars. The result is other drivers won’t know if you’re changing lane to the left or right.