With the Monsoon already underway in India . Here are some tips for safe driving during monsoon .
- Allow for more travel time between destinations so keep that extra time buffer
- Reduce speed. It takes far longer to slow down in the wet, also high speed may cause a severe condition of “Hydroplaning” (total loss of friction between the tyres and the road surface) maintain slower speed than you generally adopt.
- Avoid excessive use of brakes, also check your brakes if the tyre have undergone through a submerge the wetness may temporarily render the brakes useless causing a “pedal travel”
- Turn on your headlights in dark, gloomy conditions so that you are seen by others on the road BUT avoid using the High Beam in rains; these may blind the vehicles approaching from front as well during heavy down pour the light beam get reflected back to your eyes
- Maintain three times the distance you usually would from other vehicles ahead of you. Never indulge in 'Bumper to Bumper' driving
- Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. At night, wet roads turn dangerous. Glare of oncoming lights, amplified by rain on your windscreen and reflected off the wet road, can cause temporary loss of visibility.
- Never drive through moving water if you cannot see the ground through it. The force and volume of the water may easily be more than the weight of your car.
- When driving through a flood, go slowly. If it is deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around.
- Wet feet can slip off pedals, be cautious of your foot position.
- Keep windscreen washer fluid topped up and on a long journey carry some extra in the boot too.
- Avoid entering the water logged portions on road. If inevitable, follow the trails of the vehicle ahead.
- Do not drive over fresh earth on the side of the road as it may give way and your vehicle may get stuck.
- Keep the umbrella in the main compartment and not in the Boot.
Monsoon Check for your vehicles.
- Check the condition of your 'Jack and Spanner', these will help you in distress.
- Wipers: Smooth functioning, conditioning of arms, and check rubber blades for cracks and replace as necessary.
- Tyres: Minimum 2 mm depth of treads including the spare tyre, check pressure for all five tyres If your tyres are getting worn or 'bald', change them immediately, such tyres increase the chances of skidding and hydroplaning
- Lights: Check for functioning of both high and low beam, also check brake lamps
- Windows: All windows should shut perfectly without gaps
- Brakes: see if the handbrake works properly, be alert for pedal travel
- Corrosion: A common myth going is that you should wait for the monsoon to play havoc with your paint and then deal with it. No, get an anti-corrosion and paint job done beforehand - they'll weather the season
- Doors: Ensure the rubber sealing on the doors is in perfect condition during rains.
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