Like most in Perth, we are commuting on arterial roads regularly, and given winter is now upon us, it’s fair to say that we could all be reminded of a few tips for safe driving in wet weather.
Whether light, moderate, or heavy rain is falling, our driving conditions change and can affect visibility, increase traffic congestion, and reduce the level of control that you and others have over their vehicle.
This can create some scary moments and breed uncertainty, so here are our tips to keep yourself and other drivers safe while driving in Perth’s wet weather.
Safe Driving Tips for Wet Weather
When driving conditions change, you should consider the following steps to ensure you are being responsible on the road. These tips can vary in significance given the road conditions and particularly considering how heavy the rain is coming down.
Turn On Your Headlights
At any time of day, doing so will help you see the road and will help others see your vehicle. In dangerous weather conditions which restrict visibility, the law requires drivers to have their headlights on, for good reason.
Avoid Big Puddles
Try not to drive into water of unknown depth. The water or hidden potholes could damage your car’s engine or knock your suspension out of alignment. If you are changing lanes to avoid puddles, consider other drivers who might have the same or worse visibility than you.
Use Your Demister
It is less known that using cold air will de-mist your windscreen faster, or maybe it has more to do with not wanting to turn on cool air in winter. Using warm air in an urgent situation can initially make your screen’s condition worse.
Reduce Your Speed
The speed limit for a road is actually the maximum safe driving speed for ideal conditions, so reducing your speed to drive to the weather conditions is the safest option in wet weather, to ensure you remain in control of your vehicle.
Leave Extra Space
Roads can be slippery in wet weather and other vehicles can be unpredictable. Both affect your vehicle control if you suddenly need to brake, so leaving extra space between you and the car in front of you can avoid an accident, both from the front and behind.
Be Prepared With These Car Safety Checks
Check your tyres and tyre pressure to ensure your tyres have adequate tread, are in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure for your vehicle. You’ll find the tyre pressure guide inside the logbook, or inside the door arch on most vehicles.
Check your windscreen wipers simply by turning them on. If you have screeching, jumping, or scratching, your wipers are likely damaged or not functioning properly. It’s a good idea to have the wiper blades replaced so that you are prepared for more wet weather.
Checking your lights sounds like a basic one, but we often assume that our lights are working until someone tells us they are not. Headlights and brake lights are essential for safe driving in wet weather, for increasing visibility for yourself and others. While doing so, be sure to check your indicators too.
A great way to stay informed and be prepared for wet weather driving conditions is to refer to readily available resources including the Bureau of Meteorology for weather updates and Main Roads WA for updated road conditions, road works, and closures.
In the unfortunate event that you do have an accident in Perth’s wet weather, Gino’s Panel and Paint can help. Our team of professionals are approved smash repairers for Western Australia’s best insurance providers including Allianz and RAC and are committed to getting you back on the road faster. Talk to our friendly staff today to find out more.