The risks on the road increase during the rains, therefore, the driver should be very alert. Road conditions change from one stretch to another due to fallen branches of trees, oil leakage, pot-holes, etc.
Pedestrians tend to concentrate more on protecting themselves from the rain rather than from the traffic.
Cyclists, two-wheeler riders, hand-cart pullers, rickshaw pullers, etc. cannot use umbrellas; so rain water splashes onto their eyes and reduces their ability to see clearly.
You need more time to see and be seen, to react and to stop, since braking distance increases on wet roads. Hence, drive slowly and leave more distance between you and the vehicle in front.
The car may skid if you speed, brake, or steer suddenly on a wet road. Hence, be careful. Test the brakes after driving through water.
In extreme conditions, avoid driving altogether.
Civic authorities should use pavement reflectors to guide drivers, specially at turns, in bad weather and at night.
Larger rear-view mirrors give a better idea about the rear traffic and compensate to some extent for the decrease in peripheral vision in older drivers.
The headlights should be such that they increase the length of the road that is visible, but do not increase the glare onto the approaching traffic.
Carry a flashlight, warning flares or reflectors, necessary tools, water, some food, first-aid box and a fire extinguisher in the car. Also carry a spare fan belt, engine hoses, car registration and insurance papers, etc.
If brakes fail, try pumping them to see if they can be reactivated. If this does not work, use the hand brake slowly or shift to a lower gear.
If a tyre blows out, hold the steering wheel tightly since it will vibrate intensely. Try to keep the car under control. Then slowly pull onto the side of the road.
If the engine overheats or the oil pressure gauge lights up, pull off the road and check for the source of trouble, oil levels, etc. If the alternator light comes on, do not stop till you reach a service station, else you may not be able to start the car again. Get the system checked.
It is essential that vehicle drivers observe all the traffic laws of the city.
Remember someone is waiting for you as well as for the others at HOME.