TIPS TO DRIVE SAFE IN RAIN

It's the time of the year when the country faces heavy rainfall, high winds, and striking lightning. India, being a country with extreme climate conditions and inadequate road infrastructure, can offer brutal driving conditions in the rainy season. When it rains, water mixes with oil on roads, making it slippery. Driving in severe weather can increase the risk of a dangerous situation for us, our family and other drivers.

No matter what part of the country we live in, we require to drive our vehicles out in rain at some point in time. It requires your undivided attention while driving, so make sure you don't get distracted by things like the radio or your phone. The speed of the car should be reduced by 1/3 on wet roads.

In India, there is a big problem of destruction of roads during monsoon season because of heavy rains. Factors like poor drainage, expansive subgrade soil and use of inferior material are common causes of destruction. In 2016, India had 36594 accidents during monsoon season, which is 27% of all weather-related accidents.

At Shriram Automall India Limited, safety is an absolute first. So, here are some safety tips and guidelines that help you towards safer motoring in the rains.

¨       Wait for the rain to stop - If it's possible to postpone your travel, wait till the weather clears as a precaution is better than cure.

¨        Inspect your vehicle - Make sure your car's equipment like windshield wipers, headlights, brake lights are working properly. Also, check the tread of tires as it can reduce traction on wet roads.

¨       Slowdown your car - While driving in such unfavorable conditions, the first thing to do is to reduce the speed of your car. Driving fast on wet roads can result in hydroplaning i.e., the tire can lose contact with the road. Drive at a slow pace and avoid jerky movements while accelerating, braking or turning.

¨       Maintain proper distance - It takes time to stop your car while driving in rain. So, maintain proper distance with the cars in front of you and be alert for brake lights ahead.

¨       Turn on the headlights - Turning on the headlights will not only help you drive but also help others see you.

¨       Defog the windscreen - Usually the windscreen gets foggy during rain due to humidity. Make sure the heaters/demisters and the air conditioner is turned on.

¨       Use windshield wipers - Use windshield wipers during rain to wave off the water from the windscreen for a clear view.

¨        Don't click pictures - While driving, you might want to capture the surreal beauty of the thundercloud or outside beauty. Wait till you get off the road before snapping the picture.

¨       Watch out for pedestrians or cyclists - Pedestrians or cyclists rush to get shelter during rains. So, keep an eagle eye out for them.

¨       Very heavy rain: Stop - When visibility gets so poor that the sides of the roads or other vehicles can't be seen from a safer distance, pull over and wait for the rain to ease off.

Stay connected for more such tricks and tips from Shriram Automall India Limited.

Shriram Automall is the best choice for acquiring or disposing of your pre-owned vehicles. So, if you have any queries regarding your vehicle, SAMIL is the place. You can visit your nearest Automall to get served in the best possible manner or you can also download 'My SAMIL App' to get yourself registered with Shriram Automall India Limited.