Skidding and collisions will have the drivers on alert during the rainy season. With a little care, many accidents can be avoided to some extent. Kerala police have now come up with a few tips to be followed to practice perfect driving during monsoon season.

Oil spillings

• The oil droplets emitted by vehicles on the road become accident traps when it rains. As the oil mixes with the rainwater the road becomes dangerously slippery. So it is best to drive as slowly as possible during the rainy season. Extreme steering and sudden braking can lead to accidents. Avoid maximum brake use and control speed by taking your foot off the accelerator.

Prefer dim light

• Whether the vehicle is a bike or a car, it is better to turn on the headlights in low beams during heavy rain. Headlights will help you see the road clearly in heavy rain and make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. If the vehicle has a fog light, use it.

Tyre pressure

• It is advisable to check the quality of the tyre before the rainy season. It would be foolish to think that you can maximize the use of a worn tyre to save money. Don't forget that grip decreases with wear. Alignment and wheel balancing must be accurate and tyre pressure must be maintained.
• Every day before starting the journey, check whether the headlight, brake light, indicator, wiper, hand brake, etc. are working properly.
• Do not ride right behind large vehicles. The muddy water splashed by their massive tyres obstructs your view. Keep a certain distance from heavy vehicles to command full control over your vehicle.
• If the rain gets too heavy, it is better to park the vehicle on the roadside and resume the travel only after the rain abates a little.