Driving a car during a storm. What to remember? Beware of heavy rain
During thunderstorms, many drivers fear lightning the most, but thunderstorms also increase the risk of skidding. Precipitation is especially dangerous when water meets pollutants on the road. Drivers should also be careful when driving into still water on the road.
May is considered the beginning of the storm season. They are associated with many dangers for drivers.
Better stop
Electrical discharges generally do not pose a threat to people locked in a car, but just in case during a thunderstorm it is better to stop the car, even on the side of the road, and not touch the metal parts. In fact, lightning is not the only danger during a thunderstorm. Strong winds can knock tree branches onto the road, and in some situations even knock a car off the track, say instructors from Renault's Safe Driving School.
However, it should be remembered that even the strongest storm does not justify stopping in a lane on a motorway, which can lead to a collision. In a special situation, when there is no exit from the parking lot nearby, you can stop in the emergency lane.
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The first moments of rain
Rapid downpours and their consequences are especially dangerous. During thunderstorms, precipitation occurs suddenly, often after long periods of sunshine. In this situation, rainwater mixes with impurities on the road such as oil and grease residues. This negatively affects the grip of the wheels. After some time, this layer is washed off the road and grip improves to a certain extent, although the surface is still wet.
Long distance needed
Heavy rain also reduces visibility, which should encourage us to slow down and increase our distance from other road users. We will take into account the increased braking distance and carefully monitor the road in order to respond as quickly as possible to the behavior of drivers ahead.
treacherous puddles
Even after the storm has passed, drivers must be careful not to let water stagnate on the road. If we drive into a puddle at high speed, we can skid and lose control of the car. In addition, water often hides the damaged surface. Driving into a deep hole can damage your vehicle. When driving through very deep puddles, there is an additional risk of flooding the engine and units, and, consequently, serious damage. Even for this reason, when we see a stretch of road in front of us completely flooded with water, it is safer to turn back and look for another way, says Adam Knetowski, director of Renault's safe driving school.
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