South Africa’s rainy season brings more than just refreshing showers and greener landscapes—it also brings wet and slippery roads, which can make driving more hazardous. Whether you’re heading out on your daily commute or embarking on a long road trip, driving in wet weather requires extra care and attention to ensure everyone stays safe.
Here are five key things to keep in mind when you’re navigating those rainy roads:
1. Slow Down and Adjust Your Speed
When it’s raining, roads can become slippery due to water mixing with oil and debris, making it easier to lose traction. Reducing your speed is one of the most effective ways to stay safe. The faster you drive, the harder it is for your tires to maintain grip on wet surfaces, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning.
Slowing down also gives you more time to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or vehicles skidding in front of you. Always leave more space between your car and the vehicle ahead – at least four to five seconds. This added buffer ensures you have enough room to stop safely, even if conditions are less than ideal.
2. Check Your Tyres and Windshield Wipers
Your car’s tyres are your first line of defense in wet weather. Worn or bald tyres significantly reduce your vehicle’s ability to grip the road, especially in rain. Before heading out, inspect your tyres for adequate tread depth and proper inflation. The legal minimum tread depth in South Africa is 1.6mm, but for rainy conditions, deeper treads offer better water displacement and traction.
Windshield wipers are equally essential for clear visibility. If your wipers leave streaks or fail to clear water effectively, it’s time to replace them. Being able to see clearly is vital for navigating rain-slicked roads and reacting to any hazards ahead.
3. Turn on Your Headlights – but Avoid High Beams
In wet weather, visibility can plummet due to rain and mist. Switching on your car’s headlights makes it easier for other drivers to see you, and for you to see the road ahead. However, avoid using your high beams in rainy conditions, as the light can reflect off rain droplets and create glare, making it harder for you and others to see.
Modern cars often have daytime running lights, but these don’t always activate the rear lights, so manually turning on your headlights is still recommended. This small action can make a big difference in improving visibility for everyone on the road.
4. Be Mindful of Aquaplaning Risks
Aquaplaning, or hydroplaning, occurs when a layer of water builds up between your tyres and the road surface, causing your vehicle to lose contact with the road. This can happen even at speeds as low as 50 km/h if the water on the road is deep enough and your tyres are not in optimal condition.
If you feel your car starting to aquaplane, don’t panic. Avoid sudden braking or turning the steering wheel sharply – these actions can cause you to lose control completely. Instead, gently ease off the accelerator and steer straight until your tyres regain traction. Keeping your hands steady on the wheel and your foot off the brake is key to regaining control.
5. Plan Your Journey and Stay Alert
Rain can turn familiar roads into potential hazards. Potholes filled with water might be deeper than they appear, and sudden downpours can reduce visibility to almost nothing. Plan your journey in advance, leaving extra time to drive at a safer, slower pace. If possible, stick to main roads that are better maintained and less likely to flood.
Stay alert at all times. Wet weather often brings unpredictable driving behaviours from other motorists. Some might drive too cautiously, while others may still drive recklessly. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists, who might be harder to see in the rain and more vulnerable to splashes from passing vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Driving in wet weather doesn’t have to be stressful if you take the right precautions. By reducing your speed, maintaining your tires, ensuring proper visibility, avoiding aquaplaning, and planning ahead, you can make rainy drives much safer for yourself and others.Remember, no journey is worth compromising your safety. When in doubt, consider delaying your trip until conditions improve.
