Road and Traffic Safety Consultant Özgür Şener stated that many dangers may be encountered in traffic due to rain and said: “We can list reasons such as increased stopping distance of the vehicle, decreased visibility, pedestrian mobility as examples of this situation. In such cases, vehicle tires may lose contact with the road.” he said.
Noting that the slipperiness increases especially as the first drops of rain fall on the road, Şener said, “The speed must be reduced and adapted to the ground and weather conditions. The following distance must be increased. One must be careful against sudden movements of pedestrians running away from the rain.” he said.
When the ground gets wet, the tires may lose contact with the road.
Özgür Şener, who stated that many dangers may be encountered in traffic due to rain, said: “We can list reasons such as increasing the stopping distance of the vehicle, decreasing visibility, pedestrian mobility as examples of this situation. We may face puddles on the road surface due to factors such as excessive rainfall and landscape irrigation. In such cases, the vehicle tires may lose contact with the road. As a result, slips and aquaplaning may occur.” he said.
The danger of “Aquaplaning” is increasing
Özgür Şener emphasized that when the tires make a sliding motion instead of turning on the water accumulated on the road, it is called aquaplaning and this risk should not be underestimated, and said, “When the tires make a sliding motion instead of turning on the water, the driver may lose control of the vehicle. This situation can cause serious accidents, especially if the speed is high.”
Pre-ride check saves lives
Şener recommended that the vehicle be checked before driving in rainy weather, and pointed out that tire pressures should be kept at the appropriate level and the tread depth should be at least 3 mm.
Özgür Şener stated that monitoring the weather conditions and ensuring that the wipers, headlights, air conditioning and defogging systems are in working order are critical for safe driving.
Speed and following distance should be adjusted while driving
Noting that the slipperiness increases especially as the first drops of rain fall on the road, Özgür Şener made the following warnings to drivers:
“Speed must be reduced and adapted to ground and weather conditions.
Following distance should be increased; It is recommended to reach a point where the vehicle in front has passed after at least 4 seconds.
Mirror checks should be increased more frequently.
Care should be taken against sudden movements of pedestrians escaping from the rain.
Headlights should be kept on and clear during sunrise and sunset hours when visibility is reduced.
Sudden braking, sudden acceleration or sudden gear changes that may impair steering control should be avoided.”
What to do if the vehicle starts to skid?
Özgür Şener emphasized the importance of drivers giving the correct reaction in case the vehicle starts to slide and concluded his words by saying, “Emergency brake should be applied, the brake pedal should be pressed strongly. In manual vehicles, the clutch should be pressed at the same time.”
Automobile Magazine – English
