In Melbourne, we see some pretty heavy downpours no matter what season it is. As they say, we experience four seasons in one day!
Driving safely in the rain is a life skill everyone should have, and a skill that would help keep us all safe when out in the wet weather. Not everyone knows that you need to adapt how you drive when it’s wet.
Keep the following in mind next time you’re out on the roads when our infamous bad weather strikes
Avoid driving if you can
Not always possible, but if you can, avoid driving in serious downpours. If you don’t need to be out driving, then don’t be. Its the best way you can avoid unnecessary danger. Remember that you are not the only one on the road, and that other people may not be as cautious as you. Drive defensively, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If possible, take an alternate route to avoid dangerous areas
Slow down
During the rain, it’s often harder to see. So slowing down allows for extra time to react and better traction on the road -- the faster you go, the more likely you are to skid on the wet road.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel
Both hands on the steering wheel gives you better control of your vehicle. This allows you to make smaller corrections and keep the car more stable on the road. Additionally, it can help you avoid accidents by giving you more control in emergency situations.
Allow for extra space
Keep a larger distance between you and the car in front so you have more time to brake. You’ll need extra time to break in wet conditions. Increasing the distance between you and the car in front of you is one way to give yourself more time to brake.
Avoid sudden steering
Drive smoothly and try to brake while keeping your steering wheel straight. Your tyres will have better traction on the road this way. Sudden steering can cause your tyres to lose traction on the road and can lead to accidents
Pull in if it’s safe to do so
Every now and then, we experience a deluge that makes it near impossible to see through our windshields. If this is the case, and only if it’s safe to do so, pull over until the worst of the rain has passed.
Do not check your phone!
Distractions are the leading cause of accidents on our roads, followed by wet weather. A combination of both can be lethal, so please do not look at your phone or other distractions at all times, but especially when driving in the rain.
Inspect your tyres often
We suggest that you perform a monthly inspection of your tyres. Properly functioning tyres will help keep you safe in both dry and wet conditions. It’s imperative that you have the appropriate tread depth, plus no damage to your tyres such as cracks, bulges, uneven wear and more.
If you’re unsure how to inspect your tyres, then come see us at DD Tyres. We can perform inspections, and repairs when necessary, on your tyres.