7 Rainy Season Road Safety Tips for Drivers in the Philippines
19 July 2023Driving during the rainy season is the most challenging task for many car owners and drivers. Even professional drivers experienced car problems and road accidents due to slippery roads and zero visibility caused by heavy rain showers.
In Metro Manila alone, there were over 26,000 road accidents recorded by the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System. And as of World Health Organization 2019 data, more than 12,000 Filipinos die on the road every year in the country.
Now, these numbers are quite alarming for many experts and Filipinos who have families and kids. You don’t know if it is still safe to drive on wet roads. So, we’ll share some of our recommended road safety tips during the rainy season.
Road Safety Tips to Follow During the Rainy Season
Ensuring safety while driving in bad weather, especially during rainy conditions, should be a top priority. To maintain road safety in the rain, remember these essential tips and reminders for driving in wet weather.
Reduce speed
Wet roads reduce traction. Thus, driving slowly or at a manageable speed in wet conditions is important to ensure road safety. It helps you prevent your car from losing control, skidding, or hydroplaning, especially during heavy rainfall.
Maintain a safe distance
Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Leave several car lengths or more space between your vehicle and the one ahead. This is to allow for sufficient stopping distance and reaction time in case of sudden turns, road hazards, or emergency braking situations. As a result, this can prevent you from accidents, at the same time, gives you time to react if the vehicles in front of you lose control or brakes abruptly.
Check your tires
You must also consider proper tire maintenance. Check your tire condition, including tread depth, to reduce traction on wet roads. Worn-out or poorly maintained tires can increase the chances of accidents or losing traction in slippery conditions.
Use headlights and turn signals
Utilize your vehicle's headlights and tail lights, both during daylight and in rainy weather, to enhance visibility for yourself and other drivers on the road. Remember to use your turn signals to indicate your intentions when changing lanes or making turns, allowing other drivers to anticipate your movements and avoid collisions.
Use windshield wipers and wiper blades
Ensure your windshield and wipers’ blades are also in good working condition to maintain clear visibility during heavy downpours or bad weather. Properly functioning wipers help clear rainwater, preventing low visibility and ensuring a safer driving experience.
Stay updated on weather conditions
Before embarking on a journey, always check the weather forecast to be aware of the expected conditions. Avoid driving in heavy rains, flooded roads, or inclement weather, if possible. If you encounter such conditions while driving, exercise extreme caution and consider finding a safe place to pull over until conditions improve.
Prepare an emergency kit
As part of road safety precautions, it's essential to have an emergency kit in your vehicle. This kit must include items such as a flashlight, first aid supplies, necessary tools, and other essential items in case of unfortunate incidents or breakdowns in bad weather. Being prepared can help you handle unexpected situations and stay safe until assistance arrives.
Navigating the 5 Common Road Hazards in Wet Weather
During the rainy season in the Philippines, drivers may encounter several common road hazards. But drivers can navigate them more safely and reduce the risk of accidents or road mishaps by following the tips below.
Flooded roads
Heavy rains can cause flooding, leading to submerged roads. To navigate flooded areas safely, you must avoid driving through deep water. It may be difficult to determine its depth and can lead to vehicle damage or being swept away. If you must cross shallow floods, proceed slowly and steadily, maintaining a manageable speed. Watch for other vehicles creating waves that could enter your engine or affect your control.
Slippery surfaces
As mentioned, wet roads reduce traction, increasing the risk of skidding or hydroplaning. Thus, you must reduce speed and drive at a manageable pace to maintain control over your vehicle. Avoid sudden maneuvers, such as sharp turns or hard braking, which can lead to loss of control. Check tire conditions regularly and ensure they have sufficient tread depth to improve grip.
Reduced visibility
Rainy weather can hamper visibility, making it harder to see the road and other vehicles. Therefore, use your headlights properly, even during daylight, to improve visibility and ensure others can see you. Activate your windshield wipers to maintain a clear view of the road. Increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead, giving yourself more reaction time.
Road debris and potholes
Heavy rainfall can also wash away loose debris and reveal potholes. So, you must stay alert and scan the road for debris or potholes ahead. You must also maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front to allow time to react to sudden obstructions. If possible, avoid driving over large potholes to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Reduced tire grip and aquaplaning
Aquaplaning also occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface. Hence, you should reduce speed and avoid sudden acceleration. You can drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead, as they may have already displaced some water. If you start to aquaplane, stay calm, ease off the accelerator, and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel until traction is regained.
Going to and from your house and lot Philippines during wet weather conditions will always bear risks and road hazards. No matter how good a driver you are, you can certainly encounter unfortunate accidents if you don’t follow road safety measures.
However, you can also reduce the risk of getting into road problems if you consider location and accessibility in terms of making another property investment. Lumina Homes, for one, is strategically located at the nearest road infrastructure projects that are built to be safe for drivers.
So, if you have plans of owning an affordable house and lot unit in any part of the country, choose Lumina Homes. For detailed specifications of our affordable house and lot for sale, visit the Lumina admin office in your area or check out our property listings page.
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