Safety Guidelines during Rainy Season

New Delhi,

It’s that time of year again, when people brace for the heavy rain and high wind. During monsoons, getting behind the wheel can be hazardous. Driving on wet and slippery roads can be a tricky affair. Adding to that, our waterlogged and potholed roads raise serious concerns about safety for road users.Slippery roads, unexpected wind gusts, flooded highways, and poor visibility all contribute to the dangers of driving in bad weather. Apart from that, driving at night in the rain can be quite challenging.Since monsoon in Delhi is not predicative, it is necessary to take precautions beforehand to avoid damage or breakdown of the vehicle during this tricky season.

As part of Ola’s safety initiatives, we have sensitized our driver partners with safe driving guidelines for the rainy season. These guidelines will also help benefit the regular commuters during their rides in the monsoons.

Pre-Monsoon

Before the monsoon, it is important to make sure the car is in optimal condition to face the monsoon

·         Ensure a thorough pre-monsoon check for your vehicle is done, including brakes, batteries, tyres, electrical wiring, engine fluids and wipers

·         During servicing, insist on making sure all the drain plugs provided in the body of the car, under the seats and the floor-mats are closed

·         Ensure that the wipers are in good condition. If the wiper blades are not working properly, then one should change the blades to ensure even wiping.

·         It is essential to get the antirust coating done all over the car’s under-body and under the hood.

·         Get your brakes checked. Ensure that the brake oil level is correct and the handbrake functions properly.

·         Check the tyre condition. Maintain the tire pressure as per the recommended value. Also if the grip is less due to worn out tyre, it needs to be replaced immediately.

·         Make sure all the lights are working properly such as Head light, Tail lamp, Fog lamp, Indicators, Reverse Lights etc. Check for cracks or breakage on the glass of the lights to make sure water does not enter the light assemblies and cause unwanted fuses, which could be dangerous for you and your fellow commuters.

·         Ensure a proper parking place. It should have good roofing, with limited or no exposure to moisture. In case the car has to be parked outside with no roofing, a regular cleaning of car body should serve the purpose.

During the Monsoon

Here some tips to be followed to ensure safe driving and maintenance of car during monsoon rains.

·         Avoid high speeds to prevent skidding due to aquaplaning. The speed limit during the rains should be 20-25 km/hr.

·         Modulate the clutch and accelerator  when negotiating deep puddles of water

·         Maintain adequate distance from vehicles ahead of you. The distance should be double during the monsoon season than during other seasons

·         Occasionally rev the engine to force water out of the exhaust

·         Use 1st& 2nd gears to navigate clogged roads

·         Turn your headlights on, even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions

·         You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves, brake before entering the curves, steer and brake with a light touch

·         Plan your journey – Make sure you avoid roads with frequent flooding, traffic heavy roads, roads with lot of ditches and manholes, and roads without proper path dividers and footpaths. Such roads tend to water log and become dangerous, jammed, and less visible.

·         Equip your car with good accessories – Don’t forget to carry a defogger, a rear windshield wiper, a hazard warning light, hazard warning triangle, car cover and a few spare fuses. If you have a FM radio, use it to get traffic updates during peak hours.

·         Driving in City – Drive the car with attention and calmness.If there are heavy stormy rains, it’s recommended to park the car in suitable place like that of a plain land with adequate for rain water to flow away. If there is no proper place to park the car one shouldkeep driving by following guidelines like maintaining lane discipline

·         Driving on Highways – You will have to be extra cautious. Keep your headlights and hazard warning lights on, and do not overtake the vehicle from left. Give proper signals like horn and indicators, when you are overtaking. During stormy rains, it is recommended to park the car at suitable place.

·         Flooding – If the water level increasesto the height of axle shaft, the best thing to do is to stop the car and put a hazard warning triangle on top of the car. Never start the car if the car has undergone flooding with water entering engine compartment. The best thing to do is to call the breakdown service and get the car pulled to service station.

Post Monsoon

·         Once the monsoon season is clearly over, take the car for general check-up.

·         Attention has to be paid to the under chassis for any stains or rust formation, hits by stones, humps etc. which can always happen while driving on water clogged roads.

·         A capable engineer will tell you what repairs are needed. If you have taken care, this should be very limited.