Three Tips for Safe Driving in the Rainy Season

“Rain rain go away come again another day.”

Have you gotten so desperate in the rain that you just find yourself breaking out in a song? You were so crazy that you were willing to do anything just to get out of the rain-induced traffic.

Living in the Philippines, you understand how quickly the weather can change. From having the heat of the sun scorch your back, then suddenly you find yourself getting soaked in the rain and having your favorite shoes drenched in a puddle. We're pretty sure you have experienced being stranded in your office, or even in your car in the middle of a flooded street at least once.

This type of heavy downpour has proven to be dangerous, whether you’re a commuter or a driver. We have all fallen victim to the heavy rain and sometimes it can get so bad that it causes knee-deep flood and makes getting anywhere almost impossible. You know firsthand how dangerous it is to be in that situation.

Here are some tips that you could use the next time you find yourself stuck again in the middle of the rain.

1. Turn your headlights on

Headlights are crucial in the rain, especially if the downpour is so heavy that you can barely see anything around you. They not only work for you, to be able to see what’s in front of you, but they also help approaching vehicles see you.

Don’t turn them on so bright though that you almost blind the person in the other car.

2. Keep your distance

Due to low visibility, it’s crucial that you avoid tailgating the vehicle in front of you. Yes, there is comfort in knowing that you’re not suffering from the heavy downpour alone, but you don’t have get too close to the vehicle in front you. there has to be enough distance between you and the car ahead so you have ample stopping time if in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly breaks or turns.

3. Slow down

Yes, you’re in a hurry to get home and get away from this flood, and so is everyone else. The only way you can get there safely is if you maintain a speed where you still get to see the car in front of you, in order to make the proper turns and stops.

It’s common knowledge that heavy rain brings slippery roads thus making you more susceptible to accidents. According to a 2014 report by the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), there was a total of 2,554 road accidents recorded in the country.

Riding your car in the rain is something unavoidable. No matter how careful a driver you are, road accidents is something we can’t totally avoid because unfortunately we share the road with some careless drivers. What we can avoid however, is using our hard earned money to pay for damages in car accidents How? By getting a car insurance. Car insurance is made readily available in the Philippines. Auto insurance protects you financially if the unfortunate happens.

We always have to be prepared for anything that can happen to you or anyone around you. You can never tell when you will fall into an accident. You have to always remember to be careful on the road, no matter the weather conditions. It’s best that you’re prepared so that you have something less to worry about when you get back on the road.