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MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert says skidding on wet roads can be a frightening experience that often needs a specific reaction from drivers.

He offered the following advice: ‘Most important is to gradually reduce your speed. Don’t brake harshly or suddenly. ‘Keep both hands on the steering wheel and look where you want to be.

‘While this may seem counter-intuitive, our instinct is to steer in the direction we are looking.

‘Thus, if there is a tree in front of you, don’t look at the tree, rather look at where you want to be on the road,’ said Herbert.

Wet driving guide

Here are some additional tips on the best way to handle the roads in wet conditions:

• Check your wiper blades to ensure they have not perished during winter

• Give yourself more travel time so you do not have to rush in bad weather • Adjust your speed to suit the conditions, but do not slow down unnecessarily as this is just as dangerous

• Do not use cruise control

• Turn on your headlights • Brake earlier and with more caution

• Avoid water which has pooled on the roads. If you cannot avoid this, drive through it slowly in case there is hidden debris or potholes

• Leave a greater following distance Hydroplaning Herbert says driving recklessly and speeding significantly increases one’s chances of hydroplaning, so take it easy out there in the rain. When you do start sliding, he advises you slowly lift your foot off the accelerator, but do not brake harshly or move your steering wheel violently. Herbert advises drivers to undergo driver’s training on a skid pan to learn how to react if they do lose control during rainy weather.