![]() It’s important to keep your speed well within the legislated limit as well as making sure that there is a significant gap between yourself and the person in front of you. Likewise, don’t use your rear fog lights as these can make your brake lights more difficult to see. When you’re sure your car is working perfectly and you’ve taken to the road, make sure that you dip your lights so that other drivers can see you better, rather than being blinded. 1.Check Your Carīefore you take to the road, make sure you check that your car is in tip top condition ensure that the windscreen wiper blades are in good condition, that your tyres are fully inflated and that your lights are working. If it isn’t, and it can wait, then it’s best to prevent having to drive in it at all. Is It Essential?įirst of all, it is worth deciding if your journey is essential. So fasten your seatbelt and take heed as we provide you with some valuable information to help make your driving safer when taking to the road in heavy rain. Not only can it reduce visibility significantly, it also reduces the impact that brakes have, thus increasing the braking distance. Heavy rain makes road conditions treacherous for a series of reasons. ![]() At this time of year, one of the more prevalent fears isn’t Christmas shoppers – although they’re a feisty breed – it is in fact driving in heavy rain. This enables us to be able to offer relevant tips to tackle the situation safely. To minimise the risks of aquaplaning in wet weather, ensure your tyres are in good condition and drive at a sensible speed.When we are conducting our driving lessons in Croydon, it’s imperative to be aware of the different aspects of driving that people fear the most. ![]() If this happens to you, take your foot off the accelerator and don’t brake until you’ve regained control. It can be a scary experience and can easily lead to an accident. The immediate loss of traction can make your car slide – also known as fishtailing – and make your steering feel light. This is when water gets between your tyres and the road surface. ![]() Beware aquaplaningĭriving through puddles or floodwater can cause aquaplaning or hydroplaning, as its also known. Once you’ve driven through the water, and are back onto a flat section of road, then press your brakes gently to test them. Be careful to avoid any submerged objects, like branches, that could damage your car. If the water is passable, then keep your vehicle in a low gear and engine revs up as you drive through it. As well as potentially damaging your car, many vehicles require only two feet of water to float, according to road safety charity Brake. If the water appears to be too deep - or you can’t know for sure - then find an alternative route. Don’t stop in standing water: if you think it’s shallow enough to drive through, first wait for any vehicles coming the other way to pass.Never attempt to drive through fast-flowing water.If a road is flooded, and you can’t tell how deep the water is, then don’t drive on it.If the heavy rain is causing water to build up on the roads ahead, then drive with caution. It’s bad enough that they’re dealing with heavy rain, and you can also get landed with a fine. If you can, avoid splashing pedestrians and cyclists.However, you shouldn’t use your fog lights - road safety organisations warn they can mask your brake lights and dazzle other drivers. Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you more easily.Keeping your distance from other vehicles also helps to minimise the spray hitting your windscreen and obscuring your vision. Leave more space than usual between your vehicle and the one in front, as in wet weather stopping distances double to four seconds.Reduce your speed, especially if there’s standing water on the road, as you could risk aquaplaning (see below).In wet conditions, you need to drive more carefully: Ensure your mobile phone is charged in case you break down or get stuck. ![]() If needed, remind yourself how to use your air conditioning and heater, so you can demist your car’s interior without getting distracted while driving.Check that your windscreen wipers and lights are working properly, your tyres are in good condition, and that you have enough fuel - especially as the bad conditions could make your journey longer.Where possible, try and stick to main roads as they’re less likely to get flooded. Before setting outĪllow plenty of time for your journey to ensure that both you and your car are ready for the conditions ahead: If you have no choice but to get behind the wheel in wet weather, you should make sure you’re as prepared as possible. Driving in heavy rain and wet conditions can be both stressful and dangerous.Īs well as the constant spray from other cars, reduced visibility and longer stopping distances, there’s also the risk of encountering deep puddles or even flooded roads. ![]()
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