Road and Traffic Safety Consultant Özgür Şener stated that many dangers may be encountered in traffic due to rainfall and said: “The increase in braking distance, the reduction in visibility, and pedestrian movement can be listed as examples of these risks. In such conditions, the contact between the vehicle’s tires and the road surface may be lost.”
Noting that slipperiness increases especially when the first raindrops fall on the road, Şener added: “Speed must definitely be reduced and adjusted according to road and weather conditions. Following distance must be increased. Drivers must be cautious against the sudden movements of pedestrians trying to escape the rain.”
Üsküdar University Instructor in the Department of Occupational Health and Safety and Road and Traffic Safety Consultant Özgür Şener evaluated the dangers that drivers may face in rainy weather.
Wet road surfaces may cause tires to lose contact with the road
Stating that many dangers may be encountered in traffic due to rainfall, Özgür Şener said: “The increase in braking distance, the reduction in visibility, and pedestrian movement can be listed as examples of these risks. Due to factors such as heavy rainfall and landscape irrigation, water puddles may form on the road surface. In such situations, the contact between the vehicle’s tires and the road may be lost. As a result, skidding and sliding may occur.”
The risk of aquaplaning increases
Emphasizing that aquaplaning, also known as hydroplaning, occurs when tires slide over accumulated water instead of maintaining proper rotation on the road surface, and that this risk should not be underestimated, Şener stated: “When tires slide instead of rotating on water, the driver may lose control of the vehicle. This situation can lead to serious accidents, especially at high speeds.”
Pre-driving checks save lives
Şener recommended that vehicle checks should always be carried out before driving in rainy weather and emphasized that tire pressure should be kept at appropriate levels and that the tread depth should be at least three millimeters.
He also stated that monitoring weather conditions and ensuring that windshield wipers, headlights, air conditioning, and defogging systems are in working order are critical for safe driving.
Speed and following distance must be adjusted while driving
Noting that slipperiness increases especially with the first raindrops hitting the road, Özgür Şener gave the following warnings to drivers:
Speed must definitely be reduced and adjusted according to road and weather conditions.
Following distance must be increased. It is recommended to reach a point passed by the vehicle ahead at least four seconds later.
Mirror checks should be made more frequently.
Drivers must be cautious against the sudden movements of pedestrians trying to escape the rain.
During sunrise and sunset hours when visibility decreases, headlights should be turned on and kept clean.
Sudden braking, sudden acceleration, and sudden gear changes that may disrupt steering control should be avoided.
What should be done if a vehicle starts to skid?
Özgür Şener emphasized the importance of correct driver response if the vehicle begins to skid and concluded his remarks by saying: “Emergency braking should be applied, and the brake pedal should be pressed firmly. In manual vehicles, the clutch must be pressed at the same time.”