By T.K. Malhotra (President)
Hazards and emergencies caused during rains make driving more difficult. During this season, the road surface is covered with rain water and poor visibility further compounds the situation by causing traction problems. The changes in road conditions affect the way in which our car operates and we must be ready to respond to emergency situations.
reduced visibility, glare from the headlights of the oncoming vehicles and unseen objects on the road all combine to make driving hazardous during the rainy season. Heavy rains can also cause fog, especially if the wind is blowing, making it difficult for you to see vehicles to the rear and the blind spot areas through rain-spattered windows
Fog reflects light and can reflect your own headlight back into you eyes. As such, are has to be taken as you pass through areas of thicker fog. You will have to adjust your speed and be prepared for emergency manoeuvres, like pulling off the road until the fog lifts. The blades may smear if you do not wait before using your windshield wipers while it is raining. There is an added hazard if extra care is not taken during the first half hour after it begins to rain; grime and oil on the surface mix with water, making the road slippery.
Hydroplaning may occur during rain-storms. During heavy rains, the tyres ride on a film of water like water skis. At 80 km per hour, they can lose all contacts with the road. Under inflated, worn-out or bald tyres lose contact with the road at even much lower speeds. A slight change of direction or gust of wind could cause the vehicle to skid. You can face irreparable damages, both to yourself and your car if you do not slow down. But if your car s till does hydroplanes, you should take your foot off the accelerator, avoid braking and steering changes, and, if possible, hold the steering wheel firmly until the tyres grip the road again.
Bad roads with invisible potholes and more than kneedeep water under the fly-over is a usual sight every year during the monsoons. Though rains do bring respite to the city which continues to reel under intense heat wave problems caused to roads and driving leads to chaotic conditions. Well such a 'Road Scene' is neither new nor can we take it as uncivilized. Regretfully, however, people generally lack the preparedness to handle such a situation before it takes a serious turn. The water collected in huge volumes disrupts the entire traffic and throw the normal life out of gear due to delayed drainage. It is highly advisable that government and concerned municipal authorities keep vigil to ensure instant operation of pumping systems and keep the road drainage under check rather than waiting for the situation to go bad. At the same time, the motorists and road users too should cooperate to tackle the conditions.
Here are some more points to remember for safe driving during the rainy season:
 Before starting the engine, you must clear all the window and light of your vehicle of fog, dew, dust and water.
Check the tyres to prevent skidding and to reduced the stopping distance.
Drive gently. You should not change speed or direction suddenly.
You should slow down before stopping or turning to compensate for reduced visibility and wet road surfaces.
Increase your space cushion-double the normal following distance to four seconds.
Avoid deep water if possible. The water can stall your engine and a hidden pothole can do even worse damage. Estimate the depth of the water by looking at parked cars or other objects along the roadside and watch what other vehicles are doing.
Ensure that two vehicle do not meet in deep water. Allow one vehicle to pass through before you start coming from the other direction. this will reduce the possibility of stalling due to waves caused in the water.
The cruise through deep water must be made at a slow, steady speed. Applying the brakes gently and avoiding gear shift will eliminate the risk to a great extent.
Check the brakes after leaving water to examine if they stop slowly and evenly. If brakes are wet, they may suddenly grab or pull to one side. Dry them by accelerating slowly while lightly holding down the brakes pedal.
Use low-beam headlights only during fog and look for road edge marking to guide. Even light fog reduces visibility and our ability to judge distances.
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