7/31/2019 TELESURE MD, THOMAS CREAMER: Driving in Wet Weather

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WET WEATHER DRIVING

Telesure MD, Thomas Creamer says that wet weather takes its toll on our roads andmotorists are urged to exercise caution and drive carefully.

One of the major causes of road deaths and injuries in South Africa is driving in wet

weather conditions, says Creamer.

It is important that motorists adapt their driving accordingly when weather conditionsdeteriorate.

Creamer says that during stormy conditions, it is more difficult to see other vehicles,road signs and the road itself so it is critical that motorists take steps so they can seeand be seen.

One of the most dangerous menaces of the road are flooding stormwater drains.

Storm water drains flood when there is an excessive amount of water rushing into the

culverts.

A flood can also be caused when the storm water culvert is blocked by litter, rubble ortree branches, shrubs and so on.

If you approach a flooding storm water drain, it is advisable to take your foot off theaccelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly becausethis may cause the car to skid or aquaplane, advises Creamer.

Thomas Creamer advises that if your vehicle does aquaplane dont slam on brakes.Rather gently take your foot off the accelerator and let your vehicle slow down until youregain control. It is also advisable to avoid the deepest water which is usually near the

kerb, and remember to test your brakes when you are through the flooded area beforeyou drive at normal speed again.

Another wet weather peril to look out for is flash flooding rivers over low lying bridges.

It is important that motorists do not attempt to cross a bridge or a road next to a river ifthe water seems too deep. Rather stop the car before entering the flooded area andcheck the water level ahead. Generally, if the water is deeper than the bottom of yourdoors or the bottom third of your wheels, it is inadvisable to attempt driving through it,says Creamer.

Seek a detour rather than braving the flood and risking your life! Attempting to go

through deep water can also damage your vehicles electronic control systems, creatinga huge repair bill.

In addition to these guidelines, motorists should also make sure that the following rulesare adhered to:

Before embarking on a journey, make sure to check that windscreen wipers,headlights, hazard lights, rear lights, brake lights and indicators are working properly.

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Drivers must also regularly clean their windshield and windows, on both the insideand outside.

In addition to reducing visibility, rain creates slippery roads. Auto & Generalsuggests regularly checking your tyres for cuts, bulges, bald patches and cracks.

Also make sure to check your tyre pressure and tread depth. Many drivers do notrealise how dangerous worn out or damaged tyres can be. Tyres are the only contact

the vehicle has with the road, and poorly maintained ones can lead to fatal caraccidents as well as breakdowns especially in wet weather conditions.

Look out for the hidden hazards on the road like open manhole covers.

When driving in rainy conditions, use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.

Maneuver gently, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration.

To brake without locking your wheels, get into low gear earlier than normal, allowyour speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.

A wet road surface means you'll take twice as long to stop, and so you need to be atleast four seconds behind the vehicle in front.

When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen

at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up, concludesCreamer.