Proper driving on rainy days and nights

Heavy down pour especially at night will have an adverse effect on road visibility. Heavy rains can cause extreme difficulty in seeing running vehicles in front and side and approaching vehicles from behind.

Safety precautions must always be observed while driving in such conditions; it is advisable to maintain a speed much lower than the maximum allowed to gain more reaction time in risky situations. Turn the head-lights on so that other drivers can easily see your vehicle approaching. Stay in one lane only if you’re going to use hazard lights in order to avoid confusing other drivers.

As much as possible, avoid changing lanes and properly observe road conditions by using the mirrors and prevent any collision.

Make sure also that your tires have the proper depth of thread. This is needed so that the tires are firmly in contact with the road while water can freely traverse on the tires. A tire with the proper depth of thread would prevent hydroplaning or most commonly known as “tires running on water”.

Aside from tires, the wiper blades must also be maintained. The wiper blade wipes out the water from the windshield so that the driver can see the road clearly despite the heavy rains.

Maintaining sufficient braking distance is very important not only to have enough reaction time but also to avoid water splashes coming from the front vehicles’ tires.

The car’s air-conditioning unit must also be maintained. If it is poorly working, the cold temperature of the environment will produce mists inside the car’s windows and glasses, making it harder to see the road.

All road emergencies can happen at any time, that’s the reason why your Early Warning Device or EWD should always be in your car’s trunk. The EWD gives visual warning to drivers of approaching vehicles to make them aware of your stalled vehicle.

Extra caution and care should always be exercised by all drivers especially when driving during the rainy season.

(Editor’s Note: Claro S. Del Rosario is one of the contributors of NLEXpress, a monthly publication on road safety and driver education of Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), Operator of both North Luzon Expressway and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway. He is currently the Senior Manager of Quality Environment Safety and Health Department at TMC.)