In a country with an almost all-year-round summer like Singapore, the wet season is anticipated, as it makes the atmosphere a bit colder. Though there are some (or most) of us who love the rainy vibes, we can’t deny the fact that for car owners and drivers, being on the road ─ while the rain is pouring hard ─ can be extremely risky. The rainfall can affect road visibility, not to mention that the road can become slippery, too.
Albeit having car insurance gives you security, given that it can cover your medical expenses and/or the cost of vehicle repair should you get involved in an accident, nothing beats being a cautious driver. In order to keep yourself, the passengers you are with, and your car safe, we have listed down some of the most important tips you can apply when driving during wet season.
1. Slow down
If there’s one important tip every driver should always remember, especially when it’s raining, it’s learning how to slow down. Though going in full speed can give someone a different kind of thrill, this can, sometimes, lead to fatal casualties. Given that the road is slippery, full speed driving makes it difficult to hit the brakes due to the loose traction of your tires. This can cause your vehicle to skid or drift, which is known as hydroplaning or aquaplaning. However, this can be avoided and safe driving is possible to happen by reducing the speed of your car.
2. Avoid tailgating
When in a hurry, there are some drivers who tend to over speed and overtake just to reach the destinations ahead of time. In case you have forgotten, there is a general rule of thumb when it comes to driving in a normal condition and that is to keep at least 3 seconds from the vehicle at the forefront. As for driving under the rain, staying at least 5 seconds behind another car is advisable. With this, you, as the driver, can have enough time to hit the brakes just in case the vehicle ahead of you suddenly stops.
3. Keep your tire maintained
The car wheels are the ones responsible for taking you to places you want to go, that’s why keeping your tires in good shape ─ ensuring that they are not worn or damaged ─ is an ultimate must, especially during the wet season. In order to ensure a safe driving journey, it would be better to check whether your tires are properly inflated before getting off the driveway. Just in case you are not an expert when it comes to checking the condition of your car’s tires (this applies especially to new drivers), might as well refer to the user’s manual of your vehicle or have your auto checked by trusted auto shops.
4. Keep away from making hasty movements
Given that rain can lower the visibility of the drivers, making abrupt movements like taking over other vehicles or sudden turns can lead to road mishaps. If you need to make a turn, ensure to signal and slow your speed of turns by approximately one-third when driving during rainy days. Always remember that hydroplaning can occur when you make turns too quickly on a wet road. In any case, your car go to hydroplane, keep in mind not to turn the steering wheel and be sure to slowly lift your foot from the accelerator and press the break using your foot.
5. Make sure to wear your seatbelts at all times
Every part of a car ─ both big and small ─ are there to play a vital role. For instance, cars are designed with seatbelts to give protection to the driver and passengers. As a matter of fact, car owners are always reminded to wear a seatbelt regardless of the distance of the destination. By wearing your seatbelt on, you are like securing your head from hitting the dashboard or the car window should your vehicle skid or swerve.
6. Check your window wipers
Since heavy rain can result in low visibility, ensuring your windshields are working properly is crucial. With this, make sure that your wipers are not worn out is another factor to consider. In addition, investing in good quality wipers, which can effectively remove water and debris from the windshield, is a smart choice.
7. Turn on your headlights
Regardless of the time of the day ─ may it be during the day or night ─ turning on your headlights when the rain suddenly pours is a must. Doing so allows you to the road better, as well as the vehicles in front of you. However, avoid using your high beam headlights. Although this can seem to be a good idea (due to the thought that it lets you see better at night), it can somehow blind oncoming motorists considering the fact that light from the high beams produce glare when it is raining.
8. Only drive when necessary
Unless it is an important matter, which leaves you no choice but to drive in order to reach your destination, better postpone it until the rain subsides. Insisting to go outside and drive may lead to road accidents since heavy rain can cause damage on road surface while the puddles hide deep potholes.
With these essential tips, potential car accidents caused by wet roads can be avoided.
Just in case you’re looking for the best car insurance or travel insurance in Singapore, don’t hesitate to ask Autoshield for quotations. Contact us through our customer service hotline 6385 0777 or by sending SMS to 8588 9191, 8686 9991, 8688 9991, 8588 9991, 8866 9991, 8868 9991, 8668 9991.
