Useful Tips For Driving In The Rain
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Essential Rain Driving Tips for Safety in the UAE
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From all the Facebook posts and Instagram stories that flood social media, it is evident that rain and thunderstorms are an exciting time for visitors, residents, and citizens of the UAE. While pretty to look at, driving in these adverse conditions requires an added amount of attention and awareness.
With reduced visibility and lessened grip, Dubai Police reports as many as one accident per minute. In February 2017, in a span of eight hours, Dubai Police recorded 5,268 calls and a whopping 479 accidents. The following tips aim to keep not only you and those with you safe, but those around you as well.
Key Rain Driving Tips
Avoid the Edges
Water collects on both sides of the road, in the fast lane and slow lane, so especially on highways, it is safer to stick to the center lanes. Not only will this reduce your chances of encountering a water pond, but it will also prevent you from jumping a kerb on smaller streets.
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Aquaplaning
A common occurrence and a great contributor to the shocking number of accidents, aquaplaning is a situation in which the car loses contact with the road and is merely floating on the water above it. Although instinct would have you mash the brake pedal as hard as possible, an act that would induce a skid, the correct action is to ease off the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go until the tires regain contact with the ground.
Maintain Distance
Keeping a safe distance is essential, especially with slippery tarmac. Maintain a distance of at least five cars to compensate for the longer stopping distances. It is also advisable to stay well within the speed limits and avoid unnecessary maneuvers.
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Check Your Lights
A few seconds is all it takes to walk around the car and do a quick check to make sure all your lights are functioning properly. Pay attention to headlights, fog lights, and turn signals, as you want to both see clearly and ensure you are seen by others.
Adjust Your Seating
Adjust your seating position if necessary to gain a better view of what's happening around you. It's crucial to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. In case of a concealed water pond, the last thing you want is to lose control of the vehicle and plow into a barrier.
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Check Your Tires
Tires are an important and often overlooked aspect of driving in the rain. They are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road. Ensure there is sufficient tread on the tires (3-4mm) to improve confidence while steering and stopping on slippery surfaces.
From the team at YallaMotor, stay safe and keep those driving in the rain selfies for later!
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