Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

Wet, wet, wet: driving advice in the rain

IAM 800
Kiran Devgun from the Institute of Advanced Motorists

Share

13 November 2014

Kiran, Devgun, Institute, of, Advanced, Motorists
Kiran Devgun from the Institute of Advanced Motorists

KIRAN Devgun from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) shares her advice with company car drivers travelling in the heavy rain.

With more showers on their way road surfaces are expected to get extremely slippery and dangerous. Here is her driving advice on how both riders and drivers can make their journey as safe as possible.

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 check for these updates on your smartphone whilst driving (of course!).

The final checks

Always check your company car is well-prepared in advance.

Business drivers should double-check their windscreen wiper blades are free from dirt or fallen leaves; also check vehicles tyre pressure and tread depth to avoid skidding on wet surfaces.

The ideal route

Once your company car 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.

If necessary, plan ahead and phone your contacts with rearranged meeting times to take into account the more difficult weather conditions.

The right light

Company car 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.

The visibility problem

Drivers should use the internal air conditioning to clear away condensation on the windscreen that is stopping them from seeing clearly. Air conditioning is good for this.

The right speed

Make sure you reduce your speed in the rain to increase your stopping distance, 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.

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 or the central emergency number of your company car’s lease provider.

Drivers should not leave their bonnet up as they wait for help as soaking the engine may only make things worse.

 

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Latest news

Top