Rain Driving Tips For Nigerian Drivers

Whenever we are approaching the 3rd or 4th month of the year, this is an indication that the rains are here.....and driving under the rain sometimes can be somehow. I was with a friend sometimes last week on the Island and it started raining, and driving from the Island to Festac in the rain was so stressful, as in I no see anything, na grace carry us reach our destination.

So today we will be giving tips on how to drive safely when its raining.

1. Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times

Keep all distractions, such as cell phones or even the radio, off and away from you. While focus to your front do Take a Look in Back View Mirror as well Right Hand side & Left Hand side so that you get an 360 degree over view what is happening around any mud slide or falling tree, electric pole, hanging electrical wires , or in coming hazard etc.

2. Turn on your headlights for good visual

This will make it easier for you to see what is in front of you; thus, preventing any accidents.

3. Keep a minimum of five car length from the car in front of you.

You never know what other drivers are going to do or what could happen to you! If that feels too close or too far a rule of thumb is 1 second of following distance per 10 mph (16 km/h). That holds true especially in bad weather.

4. Drive at or below the speed limit.

Remember that its raining and the ground willing be wet thereby reducing the fricition of the brakes. It is advisable you drive as a speed that you can easily control and go along with even if things want to go hay-wire. Remember you are not going for Formula 1 race.

5. Be aware that the maximum speed at which you can drive is DIRECTLY related to your tires.

Nothing makes a journey a good or bad one than having a reliable tire. Be sure to know the condition of your tyres. Radial tires have better traction than the old bias ply polyester tires, but even they lose their ability to grip wet pavement and channel water out as the tread wears out.

6. Be aware of hydroplaning.

Hydroplanning can be defined as a situation in which a vehicle slides out of control on a wet road This is where your vehicle travels on top of the water and has NO or very little contact with the ground. Your traction is reduced significantly. To safely get out of a hydroplaning situation let off the gas and steer straight or slightly in the direction you must go. Do not make sudden motions and remain calm.

7. Avoid flooded roads.

If you are a Lagos driver, by now you ought to have an idea of no go areas when it rains. Areas like Apapa, Wharf, Oshodi should be deserted or if possible, its advisable to go with the public transport. Never drive through standing or flowing water in a road way unless you have no choice or you are able to follow someone else to judge the depth of the water. Flooding the engine of your car can cause the engine to stall, and deep water can actually float your car and take it off the roadway.

8.Turn on the defroster if the windshield begins to fog.

When it rains, there are likely tendencies that your windshield gets foggy thereby affecting the proper visibility of the driver, the best way to avoid this is to turn on your defroster. In hot, muggy weather, air conditioned air (which cannot contain as much moisture) will usually clear the inside of the windshield faster than non air conditioned.

9. Brakes can be hydrophobic too

Driving in rain may be fun especially when the roads are good and the car is in good shape, but caution needs to be taken when it comes to brakes. Wet drum type brakes are prone to a decrease in stopping power after driving through deep water.

10. Watch for splashing from potholes and pools of water that accumulate at clogged storm drain pipes and low areas of the pavement.

Highways also develop “ruts” where the heaviest traffic tracks, and you may be able to position your vehicle while remaining in your lane to avoid these.