Heavy rain prediction can be unnerving, especially when you have a long car trip planned. Such weather conditions increase the possibility of car accidents due to slippery, wet roads and lack of visibility. However, with proper precautionary measures and helpful guidelines, you will be able to drive safely even in the most unsafe weather.
This guide covers all the useful tips you need to safely navigate your way in the rain and avoid the risk of collision and other mishaps.
Driving in the rain safety tips
In the UAE, people welcome rainfall as it’s a pleasant change from the usual heat. However, things start to get unsettling when the light rainfall grows into a heavy rainstorm. The roads become hazardous during heavy rain spells. A massive amount of water stands on the roads – and with most drivers used to driving in dry weather conditions of Dubai, handling the vehicle becomes challenging.
Here is what you can do to ensure your safety and that of others while driving in the rain.
Drive slow
If you’re caught in a heavy downpour speeding on a wet road is a big no. When it rains heavy, visibility becomes low and so should the speed of your car. Rushing through a road that isn’t visible because of heavy rainfall can have dangerous circumstances.
Drivers must also leave ample space between their own vehicle and the one ahead of them. Also, keep in mind that the journey might take you 20 to 30 minutes extra when driving in rain compared to driving in dry conditions.
Make sure you use indicators when changing lanes
Safety tips of driving in the rain don’t just apply to you, you must be careful and considerate about others on the road. In the event of heavy rainfall, not only do the roads get dumped with a massive amount of water, but the road visibility also goes down.
This is why it becomes imminent for drivers to use indicators to make themselves clearly visible to others on the road when changing lanes. Moreover, use hazard lights only when you stop your vehicle on the road or when you’ve stopped at the side of the road. Don’t keep them on while driving because this can be distracting for other drivers on the road.
Clean your windows
Using wipers in the front and rear of your car is another important safety tip for driving in the rain. It doesn’t rain heavily often in the UAE, but when it does, you must be prepared. Make sure the car wipers work properly and the rubber makes proper contact with the windshield.
Wiper blades also generally get compromised owing to the heat and sandstorms. Checking them regularly will enable you to drive safely on rainy days.
Be patient
Staying patient is also an important rain driving safety tip. Be a courteous driver, don’t over speed, don’t honk, instead of being frustrated practice patience. Show compassion for others on the road, especially for motorcycle and bicycle riders – because the conditions for them can get even more complicated during heavy downpours. Also, keep in mind that there will be pedestrians on the road and over speeding your car through a puddle, means you’ll splash them with dirty water.
Pullover to the side
If you feel driving ahead isn’t safe, it’s best to pull over to the side of the road and wait till the situation gets better. Turn on the radio and keep yourself updated on the weather and traffic situation. While you wait keep an eye on the road and try to help motorists or pedestrians suffering due to the weather.
Preparing your car for downpours
In addition to driving in the rain safety tips, keeping a check on the following basics of your car is crucial.
Check the tires
Your car might have all the modern safety systems starting from ABS to lane-keeping assist, but if you don’t have a good set of tires, then you’re compromising on a major safety component. Car tires are the first point of your vehicle with the wet road. If your tires are in good shape it wouldn’t be hard for you to drive through rainwater. However, if your tires are not in a good condition then they cannot drive on a sheet of water effectively. Your car is at a greater risk of aquaplaning.
Aquaplaning is when water gushes between the road and the tire leading to a loss of traction. As a result, the driver is unable to steer, accelerate or break in such a situation. To avoid this risk, please make sure your tires are maintained properly and always follow the necessary safety tips for driving in the rain.
Check the brakes
Wet roads demand drivers to put extra effort on the brakes to stop their vehicle. If you don’t brake hard enough because of low-quality pads or discs during rain, your car might skid. That is why you should get your braking system checked thoroughly before it starts pouring. From pads to drums, hoses and discs, make sure everything is in top condition.
Please don’t ignore the significance of proper breaks, your life and your vehicle’s life depends on it. If you’ve been driving on wet roads through floodwater, find a safe place, stop the car at the side of the road and pump the brakes a few times with your foot.
This helps in drying out the brake pads and reduces the chances of the vehicle slipping.
Check the wipers
As mentioned above you must keep a check on your car wipers. If it starts raining and your windshield wipers don’t work, visibility will be affected severely and you will be at a greater chance of meeting a road accident or crashing in a pedestrian.
Check the lights
Make sure your vehicle’s lights, starting from headlights to indicators and tail lights, everything is working properly. This will help you make your vehicle noticeable when you’re changing lanes or stopping on the roadside, even in low visibility.
Rainfall isn’t all that common in Dubai, but when it pours the traffic gets affected. Here’s a list of car electronics, brakes and car parts that you may need to upgrade your vehicle for such weather. It is best to always follow proper safety tips when driving in the rain. Make sure your car is well-maintained and capable to meet any situation that may arise as a result of adverse weather conditions.
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