Important Safety Tips to Follow While Driving In The Rain

Driving a car during the monsoon can be adventurous. However, if certain precautions are not taken, it can easily become dangerous or traumatic. In India, where rains can be quite extreme and lead to a disaster within a few hours, it is crucial to take care of one’s safety while driving. Along with wet and slippery roads, there are multiple dangers, such as floods and landslides, that can come your way. One way to ensure financial protection against these dangers is to have a comprehensive car insurance policy. It can ensure financial support if your car were to be damaged due to such natural disasters, or other calamities. * Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under car insurance policy. Even with a car insurance policy in your arsenal, it is important to follow precautions while driving. With that context, here are some safety tips that can help you have a safer drive during the rains.

Important Safety Tips to Follow While Driving In The Rain

Here are some tips that you must follow during the rains to have a safe driving experience:

1. Prepare the car in advance

Prevention is better than cure, goes the saying. You should also try to ensure your car is prepared for heavy rains before the season begins. The tyres and brakes should be in good condition. Make sure you have the windshield wipers functioning well. They may get rusty due to a lack of usage during the summer months. The interiors must be taken care of, too. Ensure the foot pedals are not slippery. Since rains can lead to damp and dank interiors, you can put silica gel packets to absorb the excess moisture within the car.

2. Wait it out if possible 

When learning how to drive safely in heavy rains, you may want to consider not driving at all if it is an option. If there is a sudden, heavy rain, then you can wait it out if you are not facing a time crunch. Once the rains have subsided, you can take the car for a drive. The roads may still be slippery; however, at least you will not have to deal with a constantly wet windshield.

3. Maintain A Safe Speed Limit

Many cities in India tend to lower the speed limit during the monsoon and for good reason. During the rains, your car may take a longer time than usual when it comes to braking and turning. This is because it needs time to adjust to the lower traction during monsoon conditions. Hence, it is advisable to maintain a safe speed limit so that your car has adequate time to react to any action you make, especially in urgent situations. Did you know? Your motor insurance claim can be rejected if you are flouting traffic rules stated by the local or national government during such situations. Any damage caused to the car due to such an action may be considered to be intentional and the claim may not go ahead. Hence, always read up on the T&C of your insurance plan and avoid dangerous situations. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under car insurance policy.

4. Use headlights wherever necessary - even during daylight 

Poor visibility is one of the many side effects of a heavy downpour. Along with the heavy rains, mist and fog can sometimes make the environment foggy. This means that other vehicles around you on the roads may have difficulty seeing your vehicle. To help them get an idea of your precise location, you should keep the headlights on in such a situation. Also, ensure to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles in all directions even with the headlights on. This can help avoid accidents to a great degree.

5. Stay calm during hydroplaning

For the uninitiated, hydroplaning refers to a situation where the tyres of a car lose contact with the road’s surface due to water. This can happen if your car is at a high speed and drives into a puddle or other sources of stagnant water on the road. In this situation, you need to avoid accelerating. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Then, steer the vehicle in the direction you wish to go. This will make the wheels break out of hydroplaning and react to your actions much faster. While these are some essential tips, it is always a good idea to research more. You may require more or less preparation depending on the car you have. Even when buying car insurance, you can prepare for it by using a car insurance premium calculator. This tool gives you an estimate of the premium. So, with the car insurance premium calculator, you can choose what coverage you need based on your budget. Thus, with the right preparation and by following essential safety tips, you can enjoy a drive in the monsoon at its fullest. * Standard T&C Apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.