5 Wet weather driving mistakes to avoid

Over the weekend, much of South Africa experienced its first significant rainfall of the spring and summer.

With this comes the increased probability of vehicles skidding on wet roads. MasterDrive advises motorists on which mistakes to avoid during wet weather driving.

Mistake 1: Not adjusting speed to conditions
Following the speed limit is one thing; drivers also need to adjust their speed to match their immediate driving conditions. Three factors that should always be considered are visibility, traffic and traction.

Solution
If visibility is minimised or if the road is wet, you should slow down significantly to give yourself more time to respond to any incidents and possibly prevent a loss-of-traction situation.

Mistake 2: Doing more than one thing at a time
Even in clear, dry conditions, it is easy to overload one tyre when implementing more than one action at a time – such as turning while braking. In wet weather driving, the risk of losing traction is further increased when a driver forces the vehicle to do two or more things at once.

Solution
Do one thing at a time: brake, then steer or turn, then accelerate. This will protect against demanding too much of the single tyre that takes the brunt of the traction requirements, reducing the chance of loss-of-traction.

Mistake 3: Not looking far enough ahead
Too many drivers look only just ahead of their vehicle, often missing the chance to prepare to respond to a change in conditions visible down the road. Changing lanes in advance, or pre-emptive braking could be just the thing needed to prevent an incident in wet weather driving.

Solution
Keep your eyes ahead, pay attention, and learn to predict what other drivers might do that could create problems. Detecting potential issues as early as possible could be the difference between a collision and a near-miss.

Mistake 4: Not maintaining enough space
Many drivers fail to maintain enough space between their vehicle and others around them, often being far too close to the vehicle in front. Maintaining ‘open’ space in front as well as to the sides is critical. Without that space, you may be unable to move in such a way to prevent a possible crash.

Solution
Back off a bit and aim to keep a few metres between your vehicle and the one in front of you, as well as an open space to at least one side of your vehicle.

Mistake 5: Not giving the road your full attention
Driving in poor weather requires your undivided attention so you can constantly adjust your speed and position, and detect any potential issues as early as possible. If you concentrate on other tasks while driving, such as using a cellphone or fiddling with the radio, your risk increases dramatically.

Solution
When driving, keep that as your focus. Any other activities can take your attention when you reach your destination. Common sense precautions include ignoring your cellphone, and programming navigation systems and music selections before driving.

Even for expert drivers, the reminders and tips above are worth noting with the wet driving season upon us.

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