9 Top Driving Tips you need to Know During the Rainy Season in Uganda 2023

Driving in the rain whether it is heavy or drizzle, wet road conditions are one of the most challenging situations any driver experiences during a road trip. Rain creates associated conditions like wet roads, floods, and others, which directly or indirectly lead to accident rates. Regardless of what part of the country you’re in rural or city, it is important to exercise caution when driving in the rain. The rain creates challenges during and after the rain such as reduced visibility and slippery roads, especially untarmacked roads. Our company brings you important tips for driving in the rain;

If possible, wait until the rain stops.

For safety purposes, if not comfortable driving in the rain it is better still to wait or walk, that is if possible until the rain stops. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry, especially in heavy rain since the road conditions are not guaranteed safe.

Slow down while driving.

Slowing down is not about recognizing the standard speed limit, but rather about going slower than the speed limit. It is well known that rain and wet road conditions are dangerous since the car’s reaction time is sometimes slower when raining. Keep in mind that reducing speed is essential in rainy conditions.

Make use of the windshield wipers.

Some clients are reluctant of using the windshield wipers while driving in rain, but this is a reminder to drivers/clients to make good use of the windshield wipers. Check on the speed of the wipers, and if they are well adjusted to clear the moisture from the rain at the front of the windscreen.

Avoid heavy braking.

We emphasize to clients the point of slowing down when foot off the accelerator, earlier than they always do before braking. At most, cruise control should be avoided to focus on both the gas and the brakes in motion.

Thoroughly check the car equipment (especially rooftop tents) before the rain.

We recommend first making sure all the car equipment is working properly for safety precautions. Some of the important aspects to check about the vehicle are windshield wipers, headlights, and tail lights in addition to car tires balding to leave minimal or no tread, to reduce traction on wet road conditions.

Keep headlights on throughout the rain.

Keeping the headlights on while driving in the rain is a driving tip that shouldn’t be ignored even though it is misting, drizzling, and heavy rainstorms. This increases your visibility, as it also makes it possible for other drivers to see you on the road.

Proper ventilation of the vehicle

The rain increases the levels of humidity, which fogs the car windows, and the windshield when driving in the rain. The advantage of ventilation in cars used by our company has different ventilation systems with the function of reducing fog on the interior of the car. Therefore, for safety and comfort, pulling over when your visibility is affected is advised, then switching on both front and back heaters to make sure air conditioning is turned on.

Maintain a distance between cars (especially with the car in front).

It is important to maintain a distance between your car and the one/s in front of you. Braking after or during the rain, the car sometimes gets difficult to brake when the road conditions are wet. Therefore, we recommend keeping a good distance between your car and those in front of you, as a precaution.

Avoid flooded places.

Cases of hydroplaning (when car tires start skidding across the surface of the road) are common when driving through standing water and flooded places. Therefore, to avoid this, it is recommended to avoid such waters and instead opt for other lanes or safely steer around such places.