I’m sure many of you can picture this story.

 

The rain is belting down and the winds are bending the tree branches in the front yard like some exotic dance move.  You grab the car keys and head out the door to catch up with some friends. In the background, you hear the familiar voice of mum or dad telling you to slow down and be extra careful in the wet weather.  By habit, you let their voices and warning become ‘white noise’ as the door slams behind you. But wait, STOP

 

Sometimes, you need to stop, take a breath, and absorb what’s being said, and this is one of those times. Road toll and crash statistics from across Australia show that wet weather is a strong contributor to road crashes, injuries and fatalities.  No one suggests that you shouldn’t drive when the road is wet and it’s raining, however, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get safely from A to B.

 

Learn 2 Drive Driving School’s Principal Instructor Tracey Wilson offers some important tips to help you drive safely in wet weather: 

 

1. Make sure you have good tyre tread of at least 1.5mm (deep) across the full tyre width, as that helps the vehicle retain a grip on the road surface.
2. Keep your windscreen clean, as visibility is often reduced in wet weather.
3. Ensure all your lights (headlights and taillights) are operating correctly so that other drivers can clearly see you. 
4. Drive slowly and steadily in the rain to avoid the possibility of aquaplaning and skidding.
5. We recommend you double the distance between you and the car in front of you to avoid potential nose to tail crashes in wet weather.
6. Avoid unsealed roads unless absolutely necessary. 
7. We recommend you use the road markings, centre lines and guide posts to help keep you in the centre of the lane.
8. Never, ever, ever drive on roads that are covered in water. Too many people have died doing that!
9. Lastly, if the conditions worry you in any way, then pull over and wait for things to settle down, or find a nice little café to spend the time.

 

For more information, the Queensland Transport road safety site has a great range of tips and suggestions to keep you driving safely in all conditions.

 

Check out https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/road-safety/Learn 2 Drive Driving School operates in the Toowoomba region.  LIKE us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/learn2drivedrivingschool/?fref=ts