Driving on rainy days? TIPS for staying safe

Motorists are warned to stay safe while on the roads and avoid driving in areas that experience flooding. 

This, as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a yellow level 2 warning for some provinces.

ALSO READ: WEATHER: Hail, strong winds and heavy RAIN expected in these provinces

DISRUPTIVE RAIN, FLOODING, SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED

Northern Cape, southern North West, and the western and central parts of the Free State may be affected by severe thunderstorms resulting in hail, strong winds and heavy downpours on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Gauteng and Mpumalanga may be affected by disruption of rain and severe thunderstorms, which could lead to localised flooding.

ALSO READ: Possible flooding: Disruptive rain expected in parts of SA TODAY

SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING ON A RAINY DAY

Arrive Alive has shared the following which may be helpful for drivers who have to face a heavy rainstorm on the road.

• Increase the three-second rule to 5-6 seconds to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
• If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually.
• Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
• If you find that an oncoming vehicle is overtaking from the opposite direction and will not be likely to do it safely, slow down and be prepared to move to the left shoulder if necessary.
• Only move towards the shoulder if you can see 150m ahead of you. Keep in mind that pedestrians may be walking on the shoulder to avoid the mud next to the surface of the road.
• Beware of oil patches. Don’t panic. Do not jam on your brakes, just steer through. In most cases, the patches will be small.
• Always change to a lower gear before you take a bend, especially a sharp bend. Your speed should be at its slowest as you enter the bend and both your hands should be on the steering wheel. This slow in/fast out technique gives you the most control when driving around a bend.
• Increase your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance from 3 seconds to 6 seconds.
• Turn on your headlights.
• Be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
• Use your low-beam headlights to see and be seen. Wait a short time after the rain begins before using your windshield wipers because the blades may smear.
• Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

ALSO READ: Above 50mm rain expected in KwaZulu-Natal following flash floods

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