Driving In The Rain

Updated: 2010 Aug 17, 1837hrs


• Flood-prone areas ~ avoid them. Get info from you local news internet links. In Singapore, go to this link. http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20100721/220710flood_prone22.pdf

• Leave earlier ~ coz it will take longer to reach there.

• Slow ~ drive very, very slow.

• Radio ~ switch to a radio station that's noted for it's traffic watch.

• High-Beam ~ Use High=Beam if you neaed too… this time even the car in front will thank you BUT check if it affects your view.

• Blinkers ~ you can also use the blinkers if it is necessary.

• Horn ~ Get ready to use the horn if you must… get some practice to do the soft type if you don’t want to sound rude.

• Brake ~ Test them befor driving & brake lightly & earlier than usual to inform other road users.

• Skid while braking ~ ease off or release to minimize the skid before applying brakes if you must.

• Turn slowly ~ turn slower than usual to prevent skidding & also just in case you missed that motorcycle or car in your blind-spot & hopefully he sees you.

• Middle lane ~ if you can… try to stay in the middle lane as there is more puddles on the sides.

• Huge puddle ~ if you see one, it may be a hole in the ground so avoid it.

• After a puddle ~ tap on your brake pedal lightly to clear the brake system.

• Pedestrians, cyclists & motorcyclists ~ they’re small and affected by the rain (fiddling with their umbrellas and what nots) so watch out for them.

• Use the car in front ~ if it’s safe for them, it’s probably (but not definitely) safe for you.

• Big Tires ~ Buses & vehicles with big tires create enough spray to block your vision completely. Avoid passing one, but if you must pass, do it as quickly as safety allows.

• Demister ~ defog or demystify your rear-window.

• Windscreen wiper ~ switch it on (I know it & you know it... but there may be some people out there who might not know this... who knows?).

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