Some people on our roads are a nervous driver and you should watch out for them.
First of all, keep in mind that in the rain, the braking distance of our car increases, so you should always leave a generous driving distance with the car in front of you.
In this way, you will be able to watch and take note of the movements of other drivers on the road as you need greater care because nervous drivers will be driving thru sitting water without understanding speed, throttle action and steering movement.
You should be driving calmer which will allow you to see further in front where the possible pools of water that are located that can cause drivers to aquaplane.
So in case you did not know this. Let us explain ‘Aquaplaning’. When water forms a film between your vehicle tire and the road surface there is a great chance that you will ‘float’ your car and this means you will not have steering control and so it will prevent you from turning your car and maintaining control of your vehicle safely.
So, if and when you feel your steering is too light and void of control. If aquaplaning does occur despite all the precautions, it is important to remain calm and react correctly. Depress the clutch, release the accelerator, and keep the steering wheel steady. Do not turn the steering wheel, as an aquaplaning car will not respond to it.
Failure to follow these tips is likely to cause the car to skid and lose control right after you come out of the ‘sitting’ water.
It is the rainy season right now in Klang Valley and almost every evening it is raining and many of your experience this on your journey home from work. Your tires need to be checked if they have enough thread to hold on to the road surface and must be inflated properly.
Checking your tire pressure regularly is important and yes, we know it can be ‘tiresome’ and dirty but please note that low tire pressure increases the risk of aquaplaning and affects your cars handling even in dry weather.
Stay focused on other drivers as you never know which car has a nervous driver behind the wheel and you do not want to be hit be them and go through all the unwanted hassle of tow trucks, police reports and insurance claims.
We are sharing this information because we continue to see accidents during lockdown even when there are less cars on the road and traffic jams are reduced.
