Özgür Şener, Road and Traffic Safety Consultant, stating that many dangers can be encountered in traffic due to precipitation, said, “We can list reasons such as the increase in vehicle stopping distance, reduction in visibility, and pedestrian mobility as examples of this situation. In such cases, vehicle tires can lose contact with the road.”
Şener noted that slipperiness increases particularly when the first drops of rain fall on the road, adding, “Speed must be reduced and adapted to road and weather conditions. Following distance must be increased. Drivers should be careful against sudden movements of pedestrians seeking shelter from the rain.”
Özgür Şener, Lecturer at Üsküdar University Occupational Health and Safety Department and Road and Traffic Safety Consultant, evaluated the dangers drivers may face in rainy weather.
Tires can lose contact with the road as the surface gets wet
Özgür Şener stated that many dangers can be encountered in traffic due to precipitation, saying, “We can list reasons such as the increase in vehicle stopping distance, reduction in visibility, and pedestrian mobility as examples of this situation. Due to factors like heavy rainfall and landscape irrigation, we may encounter puddles on the road surface. In such cases, vehicle tires can lose contact with the road. This can result in skidding and aquaplaning.”
The danger of “Aquaplaning” is increasing
Emphasizing that aquaplaning (hydroplaning) is when tires slide on accumulated water on the road instead of rolling, and this risk should not be underestimated, Özgür Şener said, “When tires slide on water instead of rolling, the driver can lose control of the vehicle. This situation can cause serious accidents, especially if the speed is high.”
Pre-drive check saves lives
Şener recommended that vehicles should always be checked before driving in rainy weather, pointing out that tire pressures should be kept at appropriate levels and tread depth should be a minimum of 3 mm.
Özgür Şener stated that monitoring the weather, and ensuring wipers, headlights, air conditioning, and defroster systems are in working order, is critical for safe driving.
Speed and following distance must be adjusted during driving
Özgür Şener noted that slipperiness increases particularly when the first drops of rain fall on the road and made the following warnings to drivers:
“Speed must be reduced and adapted to road and weather conditions.
Following distance must be increased; it is recommended to reach a point passed by the vehicle in front at least 4 seconds later.
Mirror checks should be frequent.
Drivers should be careful against sudden movements of pedestrians seeking shelter from the rain.
Headlights should be kept on and clean during sunrise and sunset hours when visibility is reduced.
Sudden braking, sudden acceleration, or sudden gear changes that could impair steering control should be avoided.”
What to do if the vehicle starts to skid?
Özgür Şener emphasized the importance of drivers reacting correctly if the vehicle starts to skid, concluding, “Emergency braking should be applied, the brake pedal should be pressed firmly. In manual vehicles, the clutch must be pressed simultaneously.”