Here's what to remember for snow and rain driving
Here's what to remember for snow and rain driving
Snow was forecast across the country today and while some parts have seen significant snowfall others are experiencing rain instead. Forecasts remain uncertain about whether snow will still follow or if it will freeze or become sleet as the rain falls. Whichever one you are driving in, wet and icy roads each bring their own risks, and the basics are worth revisiting every time conditions turn.
Eugene Herbert, CEO of a driver training organisation, says:
“Snow and ice remain rare enough in South Africa that few drivers ever build up real experience handling them. Heavy rain catches just as many drivers off guard especially in the highveld which does not often experience winter rainfall. That means the fundamentals matter every time conditions turn, whether that's rain, ice or snow.”
Driving in snow and icy conditions:
● Always practise defensive driving.
● Check that your tyres are properly inflated; underinflated tyres reduce traction further.
● Ensure your anti-freeze is topped up.
● Gently test your brakes to judge how slippery the road is.
● Avoid cruise control and sport mode.
● Accelerate and decelerate slowly to maintain traction and avoid skidding.
● Reduce your speed
● Triple your normal following distance in snow, or leave eight to ten seconds on icy roads.
● Switch your headlights to dim; avoid fog lights, as they make it difficult for oncoming traffic to see you.
● If your wheels start to spin, ease off the accelerator and avoid braking harshly. Steer in the direction of the spin until you regain control, then straighten gently.
Driving in the rain:
● Most of the tips for driving in snow apply to driving in rain: slow down, increase following distances,
● Check that your tyre tread and pressure are in good condition. Worn or underinflated tyres are far more prone to aquaplaning.
● If you start to aquaplane, ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight, and avoid sudden braking until you feel the tyres regain grip.
● Switch on your headlights, even during the day, to improve visibility to other drivers.
● Avoid driving through standing water where possible, as it's difficult to judge its depth and hidden hazards may be beneath it.
● Make sure your wipers and demisters are in good working order before you set off.
Watch out for black ice
Sleet and rain can freeze on contact with the road to form black ice, a thin, transparent layer that is far harder to spot than snow and just as dangerous. It is most likely to form on bridges and shaded stretches of road, and tends to look like a glossy, slightly wet patch.
● Stay alert on bridges and shaded sections, where ice forms first.
● Keep your steering straight and avoid braking.
● Ease off the accelerator and let the car slow naturally.
● Steer gently into corners to avoid over-steering and losing control.
Keep to these basics on any drive where rain, ice or snow is a possibility, regardless of how the last one went or what the forecast says.
*Information provided by the publicist.
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