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Our nation's weather is not a myth and you can't simply do what cats do and settle down on the sofa and wait for the rain to stop. You need to hit the road and make sure you get to your destination safely. To make this journey safely, follow these tips and, above all, stay calm. There’s no need to drive fast when it rains... so you must leave on time!
This is the first tip: adapt your speed! Rain significantly reduces visibility and alters the perception of distances. So, you need to slow down in order to anticipate better.
Some other tips
- Braking distances on wet surfaces are longer → increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front so you can react in an emergency.
- Visibility is not ideal → switch on your dipped beam headlights and front fog lights if the rain is really heavy. The use of rear fog lights is prohibited, except in the event of heavy fog and heavy snowfall.
- There is more condensation → turn on the air conditioning or ventilation to demist.
- Puddles form on the road → beware and avoid them without creating a dangerous gap.
- Other vehicles can create splashing → do not brake suddenly, just slow down.
Aquaplaning
Despite your precautions, water can get between the road and the tyre and cause a loss of grip. Aquaplaning is unpleasant because you slip and risk reacting in the wrong way. Here's what you need to do:
- Stay calm and do not brake.
- Slowly release the accelerator and let the engine braking take effect.
- Look where you need to go and as far away as you can, the rest will naturally follow.
A properly equipped vehicle will ensure your safety. So always keep the windscreen wipers and tyres in good condition, no matter what the season.
