Severe storms can be experienced in various parts of the country during the summer season. They can claim lives and destroy the homes of hundreds, leaving South Africans astounded at the damage that heavy rainfall can cause.
Driving through flooded areas can be dangerous and have potential life-threatening effects, it is therefore imperative to take preventative measures to ensure that you will arrive safely at your destination.
Here is what you need to know when driving in heavy rain:
- RATHER LATE THAN SORRY:
The early bird doesn’t always catch the worm! If you can avoid it, don’t drive during a heavy storm. Rather delay your trip and find somewhere safe to park until the storm subsides. Do not park your vehicle near electrical lines, streams, rivers, trees or busy roads and NEVER stop on the side of the highway.
- WIPE AWAY:
Check the back and front windscreen wiper blades to make sure that they are in perfect working condition.
- SHOW YOURSELF:
Turn your headlights on so that you will be more visible to people driving in front and behind you.
- SLOWLY BUT SURELY:
If there is no protection nearby and you are forced to drive in a hailstorm, drive slowly and cautiously – driving at a slower speed may reduce the damage, as hail will ricochet off the surface of the vehicle. Remember to switch your hazard lights on. If possible, pull over at a safe location, grab the floor mats and put them on the roof and bonnet. You can also keep blankets in the boot to use.
- HOLD THE HORSES:
Slow down and maintain a safe distance between your car and the one in front. If possible, try to double the normal following distance.
- APPROACH WITH CAUTION:
Avoid driving through already flooded areas and high velocity flow regions.
- IT’S NOT A BOAT – IT WON’T FLOAT:
Never drive through swift-flowing water – it is powerful and you may be swept away.
- STILL WATERS RUN DEEP:
Never drive through deep standing water – you don’t know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away. Your car is not waterproof and driving through deep water can damage your car and lead to catastrophic engine failure.
- NUMBERS GAME:
Save emergency services numbers on your mobile phone.
- KEEP A LID ON IT:
If your car breaks down during torrential rain, keep the bonnet closed while you wait for assistance to prevent water from damaging the electrical system.
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