Rainy Days Advisory from Honda Insurance and Honda Safety Driving Center

PAG-ASA has officially announced the onset of the rainy season, and despite the high temperatures, sudden thunderstorms are now becoming a daily occurrence. Traffic statistics indicate that road mishaps are more likely when the roads get wet and slippery. This is why the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC) has incorporated Wet Surface Driving as one of its course modules in its Basic Driving program. Special techniques for maintaining vehicle control on wet surfaces, and how to react in situations such as hydroplaning, are special skills that one does not learn from daily driving. These are special skills best learned in a controlled environment, such as the HSDC, which has a special wet surface track.

Here are some rainy day driving tips:

• Even just a thin layer of water makes roads slippery. Improve driving safety by slowing down and increasing your following distance.

• “Hydroplaning” usually happens during heavy rain, when car tires ride on the water lying on top of the road pavement, resulting in complete loss of traction and steering control. Hydroplaning usually happens at high speeds but are more likely if your tires are worn or improperly inflated. During heavy rain, drive more slowly. If your vehicle starts to lose traction, slow down even more. Check that your tire treads are deep enough to help prevent hydroplaning.

• Rain affects driving visibility.  Rain obstructs your view out of your windshield; conversely, other drivers also have difficulty seeing you. As a safety precaution, turn on your headlights whenever you need to use your windshield wipers.  Replace wiper blades if they cause streaks or smears.

• High headlight beams reflect off rain, making it harder to see the road. Keeping your car headlights on low beam provide better visibility in harsh weather. Slow down, and signal your turns earlier to warn other drivers and road users. Brake early to slow down behind another vehicle or to stop at intersections.

Be a safer, more knowledgeable driver. Attend the free Road Safety Seminar offered every Tuesday, 4:00-5:30 pm, at the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC), Km. 17 East Service Road, Bicutan, Parañaque. For details, please call 838-0814.

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