10 Tips to stay safe while driving in wet weather

We all know that driving in the rain can be nerve-wracking and highly dangerous, yet it is often unavoidable as the weather does not define or stop your daily commuting.

Here are some tips to ensure your safety on wet roads during bad weather.

• 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 while after the rain begins before using your windscreen wipers because the blades may smear and restrict your vision
• 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
• 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
• Increase your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance from 3 seconds to 6 seconds
• Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid
• Beware of oil patches. Don’t panic. Do not jam on your brakes, just steer through. In most cases, the patches will be small
• Last but certainly not least, ensure your wiper blades are always functioning optimally

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