So, the dreaded rainy season is here again and this means we, the road users, need to be a little extra careful when driving in wet conditions as it can be very dangerous and life-threatening. Living in a country where rain is aplenty may have acclimatized us to bad weather all year round but here we have a grave reminder of just how deadly it can get when things go wrong.
We were told that this fatal accident took place yesterday (November 22, 2020) somewhere in SS19. No further details were shared but judging by the damage seen in the photos, the Proton Inspira might have been in a side impact collision with the metal pole next to it. The lack of skid marks suggests that the driver did not or made no attempt to slow down before it happened. Whatever the reason might be, the impact was strong enough to kill him/her on the spot.
This could point to reckless driving, which can lead to fatalities especially when the roads are drenched. Have you ever wondered why driving fast in the rain is so dangerous? First and foremost, roads can become incredibly slippery when it’s raining, even without the oil and fluids from other vehicles. Water could come in between the road surface and the tyre, ultimately causing loss of traction. This is called aquaplaning or hydroplaning.
On top of that, rain can significantly affect visibility and reduce reaction times. A little drizzle might not have much impact to one’s range of vision but a heavy downpour, which is more than common in this part of the world, could cause all sorts of problem. For the benefit of all, here are some useful tips for driving in wet weather conditions:
- Make sure your car is in good condition before leaving home. Your wipers, headlights and taillights should be working properly. Remember, bald tyres and water is a recipe for disaster.
- Since your visibility is greatly reduced in the rain, it won’t hurt to drive slower than you normally would.
- Remember to turn on your headlights. This simple manoeuvre not only increases your own visibility but also helps other drivers to see your car.
- Maintain a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front. Keep in mind that braking distances increase when driving in the rain.
We would like to remind you that accidents can happen to anyone no matter how safe the car is. In above case, the deceased was driving an Inspira, which is a pretty well-built car. Apart from the usual safety features such as airbags and ABS with EBD, the Inspira also has a strong body thanks to Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) construction. But it still could not prevent fatal injuries, as shown here. So, let this unfortunate event serve as a reminder for us to practice precaution and drive safe when it’s raining.
