If there is one thing we can be sure of during a Great British winter it is the rain. Although this heaven sent water keeps our country lush and green, it is also a contributing factor to a large number of road traffic accidents each and every year.
Driving in very heavy rain can be a very scary experience, particularly on fast roads such as motorways where even the smallest amount of surface water can create spray that can reduce visibility when driving. Furthermore, wet roads reduce the efficacy of brakes, therefore drivers must take this into account when driving so that they leave plenty of space between them and the next vehicle in front.
Road collisions in the rain are typically more severe than those in good weather conditions, as the cars have often lost control. If your car is damaged beyond repair during a collision, or perhaps you have checked it prior to driving this winter and found it to not be roadworthy then you can trust national scrap dealers BMS Salvage to take the hassle out of scrapping your vehicle.
The ideal situation, of course, would be to drive in good weather conditions however travelling in the rain is quite unavoidable in the UK, therefore we have compiled some top tips to get you and your car through the rainy season.
1. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
This may seem super obvious, but when visibility is reduced, even taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can be catastrophic at high speeds so make sure that all distractions, such as mobile phone and snacks are out of reach and that the radio is not blaring. Rules for using your mobile while driving are also going to become more severe next year.
2. Be safe, Be seen.
Black and silver are some of the most popular colours for cars on Britain’s roads, yet these glossy machines all but disappear against a rain storm or dark night, so when driving in these conditions always make sure that you have your headlights on and be aware of what the traffic around you is doing.
3. Keep your distance.
During wet weather conditions, you should aim to keep a minimum of five car lengths between you and the vehicle in front. The general rule is that one second of following distance is equal to 10 miles per hour therefore you will require a larger gap depending upon your speed.
4. Don’t speed.
Speed limits are not there to spoil your fun, but instead are enforced to protect drivers so ensure that your drive at or below the limits, especially in wet weather conditions.
5. Avoid flooded roads.
If a road is completely flooded never drive through the water unless you have absolutely no choice or can follow someone to gauge the depth to prevent the engine flooding. Flowing water or particularly deep water is especially dangerous as you could easily get swept away.
6. Maintain your motor.
Make sure that your oil, water and tyres are all checked and filled up as necessary so that your car can run at optimum performance. Uninflated or overinflated tyres have impaired grip, particularly on wet roads so check that yours are correctly inflated before each journey.
7. Check your brakes
If driving in extremely wet weather make sure to check your brakes regularly as wet drums can decrease your braking distance so test them gently after driving through flooded areas.
Check out more tips on road safety in the rain here.