BECOME A BETTER DRIVER
WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VOCAL ABOUT ROAD safety and how to become a better driver. If you followed our #BeTheBetterGuy series, you must have learnt a trick or two when it comes to driving safely on our roads. With the additional challenges of driving in the monsoons, there are a few measures you can consciously apply to your driving to ensure your own safety and the safety of others on the road.
Smooth throttle inputs
It is perfectly okay to satiate your hunger for enthusiastic driving in dry weather. But in the rains, smooth throttle inputs are the first step towards safety. Aggressive inputs on wet roads can cause wheelspin, potentially sending your car out of control. Progressive inputs that smoothly build up speed are extremely essential while driving in the rains. It’s something you should certainly pay close attention to the next time you drive in wet weather.
Reduce speed
Driving at reasonable speeds gives us ample time to react and make corrections to our trajectory to avoid sudden hazards on the road. Speed alerts on all new
Hyundai cars are effective in reminding you to slow down, especially on wet roads. Many of us hate speed alerts, but in terms of sheer effectiveness, even if it is due to the annoying beeps, they do a great job at making us keep the pace in check.
Maintain distance
Maintaining vehicular distance in the rains is as important as social distancing these days. It’s hard to predict the behaviour of the cars ahead of you. You never know when someone else will slam their brakes. Maintaining a few car lengths of distance allows ample time to react, a greater margin for error and enough safe space for your car to make corrections to its trajectory.
Avoid aquaplaning
Aquaplaning occurs at high speeds when a layer of water builds up between the tyres faster than the weight of the car is able to displace it. Due to this thin water layer, you lose grip and the car slides out of control. If you find yourself aquaplaning, stay calm. Do not make sudden throttle or steering inputs and most definitely do not slam the brakes. Gently ease the throttle and allow the car to slow down itself. Moreover, if you drive a car that is in good shape at reasonable speeds, the risk of aquaplaning is greatly reduced.
Pull over
If the conditions are dangerous and you are not comfortable driving, pulling over is the best solution. Wait until the weather improves before getting back on the road. It might add time to your travel but don’t forget that by pulling over, you are making the drive safer for yourself, your passengers and everyone else on the road.
THESE ARE MEASURES YOU CAN CONSCIOUSLY APPLY TO YOUR DRIVING STYLE