Maintenance Tips, News

Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

As the rainy season sweeps across Malaysia, driving in the rain can become particularly hazardous. Reduced visibility, slippery roads and the risk of hydroplaning all contribute to the challenges faced by motorists during wet weather. Ensuring your safety and that of others on the road requires adopting specific driving practices tailored to these conditions. Here is our TOP FIVE safety tips to help you navigate rainy season more safely. Let’s discover them together!

1. Turn on Headlights and Use Wiper Properly

Turning on your headlights not only helps you see the road better but also improve visibility to ensure that other drivers can see you. It’s important to use low beams rather than high beams, as high beams can reflect off the rain and further impair visibility. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working condition and set to an appropriate speed to clear rain effectively.

2. Three Seconds Distance Rule

When it rains, roads become slippery, reducing your car’s traction and increasing the risk of skidding. Lowering your speed gives you more time to react to sudden stops or obstacles. Additionally, wet roads increase the stopping distance, so it’s crucial to maintain a greater following distance between your car and the vehicle ahead. This extra space allows for safer and more controlled braking, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.

3. Avoid Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when your tyres lose contact with the road due to a layer of water. To avoid hydroplaning, drive slowly and steer clear of standing water. Ensure your tyres are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. If you find yourself hydroplaning, it’s crucial to stay calm; ease off the accelerator, avoid making sudden turns and steer straight until you regain control. Avoid braking suddenly, as this can worsen the situation.

4. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions

Wet weather demands your full attention. Eliminate distractions such as mobile phones, eating or adjusting the radio/ navigating phone. Keep both hands on the steering wheel and stay focused on the road and surrounding traffic. Being alert allows you to quickly react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, such as vehicles stopping abruptly or debris on the road. Constant vigilance can significantly reduce the risk of accidents in rainy conditions.

5. Check Your Car’s Condition Regularly

Regular maintenance of your vehicle is essential for safe driving in any weather, however, it becomes even more critical in the rain. Ensure that your tyres are in good condition with adequate tread depth to provide better grip on wet roads. Check that your brakes are functioning correctly and that your windshield wipers are effective. Additionally, make sure all your lights, including brake lights and turn signals, are operational so that you can communicate your intentions to other drivers clearly.

In a nutshell, by practising the above safety tips, you can significantly enhance your driving in the rainy season. Always prioritise safety over speed and be prepared for sudden changes in weather and road conditions. Thus, you can navigate rainy weather with greater confidence and security.

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