According to VicRoads, there have been over 158,000 road accidents in Victoria so far this year. Weather conditions, particularly rain and fog, can increase the chance of having an accident. Drivers should always be aware of changed weather conditions and how to accommodate them. So, we propose our Top 7 tips for driving in the rain.

Be Patient

Slow Down

Wet roads are harder to grip and so braking can take longer, skidding and sliding are also more likely. The faster you go, the less control you will have of your car, especially in wet conditions. If you have to drive in the rain, do it slowly.

WIth heavy rain and with fog, your vision is also impaired. You won’t be able to see as far ahead and other road users — other cars, pedestrians and cyclists — will be less able to see you coming. It’s best, then, to drive more slowly. Particularly for fog, don’t drive at a speed that makes you guess what’s ahead. Slow down and be prepared to pull over until conditions improve.

 

Don’t Overtake

Being patient also means being patient towards other drivers. It can be difficult when you’re wet, cold and want to get home, but then more than ever, you need to take your time. With less visibility and wetter roads, overtaking becomes too risky. If another driver is driving dangerously or erratically, hang back further, pull over or take another route. Don’t let someone else’s behaviour make you do something dangerous.

Be Vigilant

Turn on your lights

Turning on your lights will help other drivers see you and will help you see the road. It’s a simple, important thing to do to increase your safety in rain, fog, darkness or other conditions with less visibility.

Turn down the music

It may seem unconnected — what has music got to do with your vision? Distractions while driving are always dangerous, but in changed weather conditions, it’s all the more important to cut anything that would take away your focus from the road. Mobile phones, loud music or podcasts can distract drivers from the task ahead and may obscure important ambient noises such as other cars.

 

Increase the gap

VicRoads recommends at least a two-second gap between you and the car in front during clear conditions. In rain or fog, they suggest increasing this gap to four or more seconds. To measure the gap, start counting from when the car in front passes a landmark (a road sign or tree) and stop when you pass the same landmark. If you’re only one or two seconds behind them, slow down to increase the gap.

 

Indicate

Be sure to let other drivers know what you’re doing. Avoid erratic behaviour, lane changes and overtaking. If you need to change lanes, or when you need to turn off, be sure to give other drivers plenty of notice.

Be Roadworthy

Servicing your car every year is an important way to keep your Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen performing as it should. As part of your service with Volks Affair, we check your  tyres, wipers and brakes. Old tyres, worn brakes and faded wipers won’t work so well in wet weather conditions, so have them checked regularly.

So there you have it. Those are Volks Affair’s top tips for driving in the rain. Volks Affair are Melbourne’s leading German car service specialists. We are a dealership alternative for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen with over 20 years’ experience.

 

Is it time for your annual service? Contact your Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen service specialists today.