| In
Jamaica we are plagued/blessed with periods of heavy rains, rains
that create unbearable driving conditions. Even sporadic, light
rain could mean trouble for drivers. Losing control on a wet pavement
is a frightening experience a cautious driver will make use of the
following tips:-
·
In all sorts of rain, you can prevent skids by driving slowly
and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a
light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard
or lock the wheels and risk a skid
·
If you do find yourself in a skid, try to remain calm at all
cost. Ease your foot off the gas and carefully steer in the
direction you want the front of the car to go.
·
Avoid using your brakes. This procedure, known as ‘steering
into the skid,’ will bring the back end of your car in line
with the front.
While
skids on wet pavement may be frightening, hydroplaning is completely
nerve-wracking. Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of
your tyres builds up faster than your car’s weight can push it out
of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide
on a thin layer of water between your tyres and the road. At this
point, your car can be completely out of contact with the road,
and you are in danger of skidding or drifting out of your lane.
·
To avoid hydroplaning, keep good tread on your tyres and replace
them when necessary, slow down when roads are wet, and stay
away from puddles. Try to drive in the tyre tracks left by the
cars in front of you.
·
If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly.
This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the
gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If
you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions.
If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally; the car’s
computer will mimic a pumping action.
A
good defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road
conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures.
Source,
the Sunday Herald’s WHEELS Magazine
July
20-26,2003
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