LTA releases road safety guide
The Lands Transport Authority (LTA) has released a safety guide for motorists on road usage, especially when rain follows hot, dry spells currently being experienced.
The LTA has called for motorists to exercise caution.
It says engine oil and grease build-up on roads and highways over time, and when combined with precipitation, you have the equivalent of an automotive Slip ‘N Slide. “Road conditions may improve after the season’s first rain washes away most of the grime, but you’ll need to still exercise caution when driving in the rain,” LTA says. “Switch your dipped headlights on in rain and if you have them fitted to your vehicle rear fog lights as well.
“Slow down. Wet roads cause tyres to lose traction and vehicles become more difficult to handle.”
LTA chief executive officer Samuel Simpson urged motorists to avoid standing water on roadways.
“Not only can you hydroplane and lose control, but you can impair your vision and other drivers’ visibility by splashing through puddles,” he said. “Moreover, standing water often shields potholes and debris from view and it can reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle’s brakes.”
Other measures urged by LTA are:
• Drive in the tracks of the car in front of you. This allows the vehicle ahead to displace any standing water that’s on the road;
• Increase your following distance. Slick roads, wet brakes and reduced visibility can lead to collisions. Give other vehicles plenty of room and brake early with reduced force;
• If your car begins to hydroplane, do not brake or turn the wheel abruptly as this may cause your vehicle to go into a skid or spin. Take your foot off the accelerator and keep the wheel straight until your car reclaims traction. Brake gently if needed;
• Don’t use cruise control. It can cause your car to accelerate when hydroplaning and reduces driver attentiveness;
• Grip the steering wheel with both hands to maximise vehicle control. This means putting down your mobile phone (remember, texting while driving is illegal) coffee, makeup, shaver, sandwich or anything else that takes your hands off the wheel and eyes away from the road; and
• Defog your windows. Precipitation can cause your windscreen to quickly fog up, so use the front and rear defrosters to maximise visibility.
Source: Land Transport Authority