Throughout Mzansi, there is bad weather and we are then assured of accidents as a result of mostly negligent driving. Here are the tips to consider when driving in bad weather:
• Be visible: turn on your lights and in cars with fog lights, switch them on as well as they allow other road users to see your car from a distance.
• Pedestrians must wear bright colour clothing at all times when walking along the roads.
• Be sensible: Do not speed when it rains as the roads are slippery, keep a safe distance to the car in front for adequate distance when stopping abruptly. Do not follow the car in front too close. Increase the three- second rule to 5-6 seconds to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
• Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
• Check the state of your tyres and wipers as the more wear they have, the more slippery they become as they have less traction and your wipers wont clean your windscreen properly.
• Avoid using roads you are not familiar with at night as it makes the challenge greater when it rains.
• Avoid standing water. Even if you are driving an SUV, avoid driving into high standing water in dips. Dirt and sharp metal usually stays in these ponds and your tyres will be damaged as a result.
• If you find that an oncoming vehicle is overtaking from the opposite direction and will not be likely to do it safely, slow down and be prepared to move to the left shoulder if necessary.
• Only move towards the shoulder if you are able to see clearly 150m ahead of you. Keep in mind that pedestrians may be walking on the shoulder to acoid the mud next to the surface of the road.
• Beware of oil patches. Don’t panic. Do not jam on your brakes, just steer through. In most cases, the patches will be small.
• Always change to a lower gear before you take a bend, especially a sharp bend. Your speed should be at its slowest as you enter the bend and both your hands should be on the steering wheel. This slow in/fast out technique gives you most control when driving around a bend.
• Be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
• Use your low-beam headlights to see and be seen. Wait a short time after the rain begins before using your windshield wipers because the blades may smear.
• Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
• Avoid parking on the side of the road, rather drive slowly to a place far from the road or petrol station or parking lot. If a car loses control on the road, it likely happens that it collects you as well.Putting hazard lights on, does not mean you are safe.