Safe Driving Tips for Rainy Nights
Entering the rainy season, vehicle drivers including cars are advised to be careful because the roads are slippery. Driving in the rain, especially at night, is considered riskier, so it is necessary to increase vigilance, one of which is by paying attention to the tips below.
Tips for Driving in the Rain
Here are tips for driving in the rain that car drivers need to know.
Avoid Sudden Braking
In wet road conditions, avoid sudden braking as it can cause the car to lose traction, leading to aquaplaning or loss of control.
If you need to brake, do so carefully and gradually. This way, the vehicle's traction can be maintained, reducing the risk of skidding and causing accidents.
Reduce Speed
Reduce the speed of the vehicle when driving on wet and slippery roads, as wet roads can make the vehicle difficult to control. Therefore, try to maintain speed under normal conditions, so the driver has more time to respond if something happens while driving.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Slippery roads can increase the likelihood of drivers making maneuvers or other unexpected actions. Therefore, always maintain a safe distance from other drivers, as braking tends to take longer in rainy conditions and on wet roads.
Use Hazard Lights
If you need to stop at the roadside or stop in a location that is quite dangerous during heavy rain, make sure to turn on your hazard lights as a marker so that other drivers do not hit the stopped vehicle.
Hazard lights can help indicate a stopped vehicle, allowing other drivers to see the presence of the car, considering that lighting at night during rain is quite minimal.
Adjust AC Vent
Foggy windows due to the AC when driving in rainy conditions can significantly disrupt the driver's visibility. One way to counter this is to direct the AC fan to the center between the passenger seats or upward.
Avoid directing the AC fan towards the left or right windows, as this can cause the glass to fog up. Additionally, set the temperature to the lowest setting, and avoid turning off the AC to prevent the glass from fogging up.
Avoid Driving Through Puddles
When encountering puddles, drivers are advised to avoid them, especially if the puddle is quite deep. If driven through, water can splash and enter the engine components. This can potentially cause the engine to stall suddenly.
Read Also: What is Aquaplaning in Cars? This is the Danger & How to Overcome It
Check These Parts Before Driving
Before starting to drive, first check the following parts to ensure safety on the road.
Check Tire Condition
Before driving, check the tire condition, ensuring they have sufficient air pressure to help channel water that may be trapped under the tires.
This can help prevent the car from losing control and skidding on water, commonly referred to as aquaplaning. Additionally, tires in good condition can provide better traction on wet roads.
Check Lights
In addition to tires, ensure that the vehicle's lights are also in good condition, especially since you will be driving at night. Proper lighting can help improve the driver's visibility, so check all lights from the brake lights, front, to rear.
Check Wipers
Since you will be driving in the rain at night, check the wiper condition to ensure they function properly. Pay attention to the rubber part, ensuring it is not damaged, as wipers are essential for clearing rainwater from the front windshield, which can obstruct visibility.
After reading the tips above, there is no need to worry about driving in the rain at night. However, remain focused while driving and avoid diverting your attention to other objects while driving, such as playing with your phone.
