Stay Safe on the Roads This Monsoon: Essential Tips for Drivers
Stay Safe on the Roads This Monsoon: Essential Tips for Drivers
Definitely, monsoon brings relief from the torrid summer heat, with challenges of a different kind associated with driving. Slick roads, reduced visibility, and other unexpected variables can turn even the smallest journey into a very hazardous one during this time of the year. Here are some important road safety tips for drivers to ensure one’s journey is safe during the monsoon.
- Visual Check of the Vehicle
Before embarking on your journey, always ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition. Give close attention to the following:
Tires: Ensure they have adequate tread depth and are inflated well enough to avoid skidding on wet surfaces.
Brakes: Your brakes need regular checking to ensure effective response.
Windscreen Wipers and Lights: Ensure your windscreen wipers are in good condition, and all your lights—the headlights, brake lights, and indicators—are working well.
- Reduce Speed and Keep Distance
Wet roads can radically minimize the effectiveness of traction, making skidding highly probable. Slow your speed to where you have more reaction time to stop or reef sudden stops or obstacles by keeping a safe distance from the vehicle upfront.
- Avoid Sudden Movements
Avoid sudden steering, sudden acceleration, and sudden breaking at all costs since it can make the vehicle lose its traction. Drive smoothly and gradually so as not to lose control over the vehicle.
- Be Visible
The visibility is pretty less during heavy rains. Always turn on your headlights even during the day so that you can increase your visibility to other drivers. Avoid using high beams since they may reflect off the rain and further reduce the visibility.
- Avoid areas with floods
There is significant danger in driving through floodwaters. The water could hide depressions and many other obstacles, and if the depth is too high, might course into your vehicle’s engine. If you have no other choice but to pass through the water using your vehicle, proceed with a slow and steady speed to minimize making a wave that may splash into your car.
- Plan Your Route
Check the weather and route before you leave. Avoid areas that are prone to flooding and traffic. Seek help from navigation apps to get the safest and fastest routes possible.
- Demist Your Windows
Humidity in the car will blind your windows, which can diminish your visibility. Switch on the defogger of your car and keep its air conditioner running to give you clear windows.
- Be Informed
Stay updated with weather and news stations on the radio regarding the condition of the roads. Knowing about hazards will help you prepare for the journey better.
- Avoid Distractions
Keep your eyes on the road; hands on the wheel, and your mind on the driving. Avoid devices like mobile phones, eating, and other stuff that may cause diversion from your driving. Be prepared to act in case of changing road conditions.
- Know When to Stop
If the rain had been too heavy and visibility was very low, pull safely off to the side of the road and remain inside your vehicle until it has passed. Better late than never at all.
Monsoon driving requires a little extra caution and preparedness. With these safety tips, most risks associated with wet-road driving will be minimized. Keep safe, keep alert, and enjoy the beauty of the monsoon season—but don’t compromise on safety.
Happy and safe driving!
