Most of us have experienced driving our cars on the freeway during a heavy rainstorm, and battled with poor visibility. Then, on top of that, gusty winds add to the chaos. It can be quite a scary experience, and so let’s find out what to look out for when this happens to you.
MOTORISTS ARE GENERALLY OBLIVIOUS TO INCREASED RISK WHEN DRIVING IN WET WEATHER
While the rain comes beating down on the freeway while you are driving, the danger level increases dramatically.1
AS A DRIVER, BE ON THE HIGHEST ALERT
To give all your attention to driving means that you need to remove any distraction, such as switching off the radio. You need to be able to decide quickly, whether you can pull off the road safely, should the rainstorm intensify. 1
DRIVING IN GUSTY WINDS
Sudden, strong winds can spring up from nowhere during a rainstorm. Be especially alert when driving through road cuttings, and freeway fly-overs, since they can act as wind funnels. 1 As you emerge from a road cutting, the sudden gust of wind can catch you by surprise. Have an anticipatory attitude, with your hands firmly holding onto the wheel.
Take special note of vehicles such as caravans, and trucks with large surface areas. They are especially prone to the pounding force of winds, and may start wandering across the road while battling for control. 1
DRIVING IN A RAINSTORM – THE DANGER OF HYDROPLANING
A motorist driving in a rainstorm should be alert to two things, namely, poor visibility, as well as hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when tyres cannot eliminate the copious amount of water lying on the road quick enough. Instead of having a firm grip on the road surface, tyres instead are ‘skiing’ on top of a layer of water. That means the driver can very easily lose control.
HOW TO MINIMISE HYDROPLANING
You can minimise the danger of hydroplaning by immediately slowing down.2 Change to a lower gear, and cancel cruise control. Tyres hitting a large pool of water will be able to deal with it at slower speeds, but not at higher speeds. Make sure your tyres still have good treads on them, and are at the correct pressure.3
Smooth tyres are a recipe for disaster. The grooves in a tyre are there to channel away any excess water. The deeper the grooves are, the more effective they will be in minimising hydroplaning. Try and avoid driving through large puddles of water, and rather follow in the tyre tracks of a car ahead of you.
RATHER WAIT FOR THE STORM TO ABATE BEFORE DRIVING OFF
It is wise if you don’t leave your office while a rainstorm is raging around you. Obviously, there is nothing you can do about it if the rainstorm suddenly arrives out of nowhere, while driving on the freeway.
TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS AND HAZARD LIGHTS
The greatest danger while driving in a heavy rainstorm is that other drivers don’t see your car. So, to make yourself more visible, switch on your headlights. If visibility is rapidly deteriorating, switch on the hazard lights as well.
Remember, other motorists may not be as conscientious as you are, and may still be travelling in a rainstorm without any lights or hazard lights switched on. This is why you need to drive slowly in the slowest lane. However, beware – this is the lane where most heavy trucks also travel.
KEEP A SAFE, FOLLOWING DISTANCE
Provide extra space between your car and the other one in front, while driving in a rainstorm. Because of poor visibility, and sub-optimal road conditions, you will need more time to react.
CHOOSING AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
If caught in a heavy rainstorm, see if you can perhaps turn off the freeway into a roadside garage or an alternative route that takes you away from the rainstorm.
Source:
1 https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/driving-in-heavy-rain-and-wind
2 http://www.safemotorist.com/articles/hydroplaning_basics.aspx
Be cautious of vehicles parked in the yellow lane/emergency lane- Safe Driving in Heavy Rain and Hail on the N1 south of Bloemfontein earlier today https://t.co/X11OjDaBG8 #ArriveAlive @ReenvalSA @peoples_weather @BFN_EMS pic.twitter.com/5JDqCVDSAy
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 11, 2018
Also view: Safe Driving in Heavy Rains
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040 (car insurance and life cover products). The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.