Safe driving in wet weather

With the torrential and persistent Joburg rains, motorists need to adjust their driving habits.

Dial Direct Insurance’s Jon October urged drivers to adapt their driving to ensure safety on the road.

“It’s imperative for drivers to ensure their vehicles are in a good condition to perform effectively in adverse weather situations,” October stressed.

He conceded that negotiating heavy traffic at a snail’s pace on slick roads can be a test of endurance and requires patience.

“It’s also helpful to listen to the traffic report on a regional radio station for updates on floods and vehicle accidents affecting the roads. If your route is affected, find an alternative one or stay put until it’s safe,” said October.

He offers the following tips:

• Always turn on your headlights.
• In heavy rain, use the brightest setting for your car’s taillights to improve visibility to vehicles behind you.
• Make sure that your wiper blades are in good condition and do a good, clean sweep.
• Check that you have sufficient tread on your tyres. Though the South African legal limit is a minimum of 1mm of tyre tread, anything below 3mm can increase the risk of aquaplaning.
• Worn shock absorbers also increase the chances of aquaplaning. It also limits the ability of ABS-systems to work efficiently, so check shock absorbers and replace them where necessary.
• Take extra care when passing other vehicles. Spray from other vehicles reduces visibility considerably.
• Allow at least four to eight seconds between your car and the car in front of you.
• Avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and steering movements. Sudden stops and turns may result in skidding.
• If you have no option but to drive through an area with high water levels, drive slowly in a low gear, holding the steering wheel steady.
• After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or if you drive through standing water, lightly apply the brakes to dry them, especially if the vehicle is fitted with drum brakes.