Suara.com – At the beginning of the year, various regions in the country experienced the rainy season. The road surface becomes slippery because it is wet and even puddles of water become a daily occurrence. As a consequence, drivers are required to be more alert. The way to drive a car is different compared to during the dry season or when the sun is shining brightly.
Several things that need to be considered to maintain safety while driving a car under water are the use of emergency lights, aka hazard lights.
As the name suggests, this component is only allowed to operate when the car is stopped and requires repair work. Don’t turn it on while the car is moving because it could potentially cause danger. This means that the driver behind him does not understand whether the vehicle in front will maneuver left or right.
Driving a car during the rainy season, as an illustration (Unsplash).
Still regarding maneuvers, in rainy conditions the driver should not make sudden car movements. It is feared that other road users will be late or unable to anticipate the consequences of this change.
Quoted by the Antara news agency from Auto2000, when it decreases the risk of accidents and problems in driving a car increases significantly. So it requires understanding and implementing safe driving methods in rainy conditions.
The following are tips for driving a car safely when it rains:
The car must be in prime condition
Before leaving, check the condition of the car to ensure all vehicle systems are in good condition. In any weather conditions, the car must remain in top condition. So regular service is needed at an official repair shop that provides quality spare parts and is supported by reliable technicians. Periodic checks are needed so that technicians can immediately clean or replace worn components. When the vehicle is in prime condition, the driver can carry out activities safely and comfortably without being hampered by the weather.
Never forget to wear a seat belt or seatbelt
Safe driving behavior or safety using a seatbelt must be maintained, no matter the weather is rainy or dry. Always put the seatbelt on until it is locked and makes a click, not just slung over your shoulder.
Avoid areas of standing water
Rain has the potential to cause puddles to form on several parts of the road. If the road has holes or uneven heights, it is best to avoid them because the depth of the puddle cannot be predicted. If one of the wheels falls into a hole, the tire’s grip on the road will be reduced, making it necessary to drive the car at low speed.
Always be aware of the symptoms of aquaplaning
Aquaplaning or hydroplaning is a condition where the tire’s grip on the road surface is lost due to flowing or standing water. As a result, the car’s speed becomes unstable. To avoid this risk, try to drive at low speeds and make sure the vehicle tires are in good condition and have deep tread patterns or grooves, aka not bald.
Avoid making sudden maneuvers
When it rains, the road surface becomes slippery, which has the potential to reduce the traction of the tires on the asphalt surface. To prevent the car from losing control, avoid sudden vehicle maneuvers such as sudden braking or rapid acceleration. Steer the car calmly, steadily and slowly so that there is more time to respond to emergency situations, including preventing tires that might slip due to slippery road surface.
Be wise in using vehicle lights
Use headlights so that the car can be seen, because rain reduces visibility or visibility. These main lights function to enable the driver to see the road clearly and other road users can also see the car. Hazard lights are only used when the car needs help for repairs, and are turned on when the car is stopped. Incorrect use if the vehicle is driving in the rain and the hazard lights are turned on.
Keep your distance from other vehicles
Safe distance between vehicles is the key to safety. Whether it’s raining or not, drivers are advised to always maintain a safe distance for everyone’s safety. Maintaining a safe distance can give drivers time to react better in emergency situations.