Because rain is a rare phenomenon in most parts of the UAE, people generally are not well aware of the precautions they need to take to drive in the rain. It gets especially scary when it is dark and you are on one of those interconnecting highways between the different cities of Emirates and all of a sudden it starts to rain. Accidents, traffic jams and line-ups are a common sight, creating problems for all commuters.
However, if you drive the way one is expected to drive in the rain, you can avoid the troubles and panic of driving in the downpour. Read below to find out how.
- Drive Slowly
When it’s raining, it is utterly important that you drive slowly. Since roads get wet, brakes do not apply quickly and before you know your car is rammed into another vehicle. Avoid high-speed lane and maintain a steady speed throughout your journey. Please do not risk your and others life and property by driving rashly.
- Keep Distance
Driving slowly and keeping a safe distance from the car ahead of you rule out the probability of an accident. It’s important to keep at least twice the amount of distance between you and the car ahead of you in rainy condition than you would do under normal circumstances. This gives your car enough time to come to a stop if brakes have to be applied suddenly.
- Have Your Wipers Inspected
Since rains in the Middle East, are not a frequent sight, the constant heat and dust can adversely affect the rubber pads in the vehicle. Make sure to inspect windshield wiper blades regularly. Worn out blades are of little use and will trouble you in rain. If the wipers fail to operate in rain, you must NOT drive further, but wait for the shower to stop.
- Remove Distractions
Completely ignore the ringing phone and do not turn on the radio. These distractions pull your attention away from the road when you need to focus fully ahead of you. Also, keep looking to your left, right and behind so that you continuously get a complete understanding of the traffic situation around you.
- Turn on the Lamps
Even if it is a broad daylight, turning on the headlights helps you see more clearly in the downpour. You can even turn on the hazard lights; that will give you an added layer of security.
- Beware of Aquaplaning
This is one of the most frightening situations you would never want to get into. Aquaplaning results in the tyres of your car to lose contact with the surface of the road and instead travel on top of water. This situation is highly dangerous as the car loses its grip and requires immediate action. Stay calm, keep the steering straight, avoid accelerating and do not apply brakes. Within seconds, you will resume control of the car.
- Keep Away From Flooded Roads
Avoid driving through flooded roads unless you’re driving an SUV or can see another car driving through the same road, which will give you an idea of the depth of the water. Flooded roads can halt the engine of your car, increase the risk of aquaplaning and can even cause it to float and be taken off the road.
- Watch for Potholes
You may need to reposition your vehicle to avoid splashing from potholes. Even highways develop ruts where the heaviest traffic moves. If lane changing is required, never forget to use the indicator. Act promptly to safely go around a pothole without splashing water on others.