Driving in the rain safely
We are at a time when the skies decide to open up and pour rain like there is no tomorrow. Driving in such weather conditions presents many challenges including washing away roads or worsening the state of unpaved ones. Mustafa Ziraba looks at how to drive in the rain safely.
We all hear about the importance of safe and defensive driving during wet road conditions. All drivers are aware of the fact that it takes longer to bring a car to a full stop in rainy conditions than when the road is dry, as water significantly decreases the friction between the tyres and the road and the overall traction of the car. However, what is interesting is that many drivers only fully appreciate how difficult it is to brake on a wet road and how much time and distance they need to stop their car abruptly only after they have to deal with this situation at least once.
Wipers and poor visibilty
We are currently experiencing heavy downpour and as drivers, it is imperative we take caution. Things such as knowledge of the fact that in rainy conditions, it is more strenuous to see other cars, road signs and the road itself. It is critical to make sure you can see and be seen.
The deprived windshield wiper is easily forgotten and taken for granted until you really need it. You will actually understand its importance when you drive a car with worn out ones or even none.
If they are worn out and cannot keep up with the rain, it is really your own fault because you did not think about it beforehand. Since about 90 per cent of all driving decisions are based on what you can see, it makes sense to have good working wipers so you can see. It startles me how many people cheap out on wipers. They will keep using them till they literally fall apart. Be proactive and change your wipers at least annually.
Slow down
Back to the rainy conditions. First and foremost, slow down. This should be obvious but it is also very important. People are so used to driving at certain speeds on certain roads that sometimes they forget the need to slow down when inclement weather presents itself.
Avoid tailgating
Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you while watching out for brake lights. Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely (also called tail gatung). The spray created by their large tyres reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well. If you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Hard braking
Avoid hard braking. If possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy or foggy conditions. They will definitely help other drivers see you. Newer cars have daytime running lights, which do the job just as well.
Visibilty counts
Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. At night, wet roads become especially treacherous. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain on your windscreen, can cause temporary loss of visibility while substantially increasing driver fatigue. In rainy conditions, pedestrians and boda bodas are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid
Damaging the engine
When driving through a puddle of uncertain depth, go slow. If it is deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around and find another route. Deep water can cause serious damage to a modern car’s electrical system. Finally, it is only courteous and respectful to avoid splashing pedestrians with water.
WHAT MECHANICS SAY
Most of the modern cars these days are all electronic and have computerized systems fitted in them. Given the varying weather conditions that we experience today, the rain and also coldness all affect the car in one way or another.
Frank Kirimanyi a car mechanic based In Makerere says with the increase in technological advances car manufacturers want to simplify driving and make the whole experience pleasurable and less tasking for the driver. He says weather changes are all catered for in the systems of the car.
He explains that these cars have a cold start sensor switch which is charged with detecting whether it is cold or raining and this communicates to the computer to start heating the car engine from up. This will allow the car to start almost immediately. “When the car starts, you can notice from the dashboard that the rev counter also starts from up coming downwards,” Kirimanyi adds.
However, Suleiman Kizito another mechanic based at Kisekka Market says other cars have an air flow meter sensor which is charged with monitoring the air flow passing the car. It communicates to the engine to heat up or cool down depending on the weather. Kizito argues that some modern cars have VVTi engines with a cover on top and even the coils are covered to shield water from entering the plugs in case of floods.
Joseph Okello of Jose Ford garage in Nabisunsa says when driving through a flooded road, the driver needs to, if driving a manual change to gear one and then increase the raves at the same time as this will prevent the water from entering the exhaust pipe. He adds that the drivers should drive through gently to avoid water from entering the engine causing a hydro lock.
