Driving In Wet Or Low-Visibility Conditions: 5 Best Tips
Here are five expert tips to help navigate wet weather safely on Australian roads.
1. Maintain Your Vehicle
Before heading out, make sure your vehicle is in top condition, especially the tyres, brakes, and windscreen wipers. Tyres should have a tread depth of at least 3mm to ensure grip on slippery surfaces, brakes must be responsive, and wipers should effectively clear water to maintain visibility. Properly functioning headlights are also crucial; they help both you see and be seen without using high beams, which can glare in rain or fog.
2. Slow Down and Increase Following Distance
Wet roads reduce tyre traction, increasing stopping distances and the risk of hydroplaning. Reduce your speed by about a third of the posted limit and maintain a greater gap from the vehicle ahead to have ample time to react. This buffer helps prevent sudden braking and loss of control, which are common causes of accidents in poor conditions.
3. Avoid Puddles and Standing Water
Puddles can hide potholes or cause hydroplaning, where tyres lose contact with the road surface. Whenever possible, drive in the tracks left by vehicles ahead and avoid water accumulation on road edges. This practice maintains better traction and reduces the chance of losing control.
4. Use Lights Wisely for Visibility
Always turn on low-beam headlights in rain or fog to improve both your vision and your car’s visibility to others. Avoid high beams as they reflect off droplets and impair vision. Also, in low-visibility conditions, use hazard lights only if you’re slowing down significantly or stopping.
5. Stay Calm if Hydroplaning Occurs
If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, do not slam on the brakes or make sharp steering corrections. Gently ease off the accelerator, keep a firm grip on the wheel, and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. This helps you regain traction and control more safely.
By following these practical tips, learners at a Driving School Berwick can build confidence and safety skills for wet and low-visibility driving. Being prepared and cautious protects you and others on Australian roads.
.png)
Comments
Post a Comment