• The planning stage
    It’s important to think about whether you need to travel at all, especially if the heavy rain has not subsided. If your journey is essential, make sure you plan ahead to reduce the likelihood of a breakdown or accident occurring. Keep up-to-date with your local weather to see if any planned road closures or severe weather forecasts are in place – this should help you make an informed decision. These days the best information is often on official Twitter feeds, but never use a smartphone whilst driving.
  • The final checks
    Always check your motorbike or car is well-prepared in advance. Drivers should double-check their windscreen wiper blades are working properly, while both riders and drivers should check their vehicles tyre pressure and tread depth to avoid skidding on wet surfaces.
  • The ideal route
    Once your vehicle is well-prepared you should assess which route is safe to take. If you know of any particular roads which are prone to flooding you should avoid these hazardous areas and take the longer yet safer route.
  • The right light
    Drivers should switch on their dipped headlights so that other motorists can see them easily in the heavy rain. However, they should avoid switching on their rear fog lights, unless visibility is severely reduced, as these can end up dazzling drivers behind them.
    Motorcyclists should already have their dipped headlights on and  their tail lamp on . This will help other motorists see your motorbike when visibility is poor.
  • The visibility problem
    Drivers should use the internal air conditioning or a cloth to clear away condensation on the windscreen that is stopping them from seeing clearly. While riders should use an anti-fog solution to clear away condensation from helmet visors. It is also advised that riders wear reflective gear to help other road users see them.
  • The right speed
    Make sure you reduce your speed in the rain leaving enough space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Travelling at a reduced speed will also help you pass through large puddles and potholes smoothly, without spraying other motorists and pedestrians or risking aquaplaning.
    Motorcyclists may feel their tyres begin to skid when riding too fast. In such cases, riders should avoid braking sharply and simply ease off the accelerator. As you begin to ease off the accelerator your speed should begin to reduce, leaving you in better control.
  • The breakdown
    Torrential downpours may lead to breakdowns, so it’s important you keep with you a fully-charged mobile phone and the telephone number of your breakdown service provider. Don’t leave your bonnet up as you wait for help as soaking the engine may only make things worse, while riders should make sure they avoid trying to fix any loose connections themselves and wait for help.

 

This is an extract from an article written by the IAM




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