'Old driver' shares tips for driving at night in the rain, new drivers should know
The "combo" of driving at night in the rain always requires the driver to have a firm grip and be twice as careful as usual. For new drivers, the experience below will be very useful.
Driving at night, when the light is weak and visibility is limited by rain, poses many potential risks, especially for new drivers. However, whether we like it or not, we still have to experience driving in these conditions, especially in the rainy season like now.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung - who has nearly 20 years of experience "holding the wheel" and is currently a driving instructor in Hanoi, said that driving at night in rainy conditions is very "unpleasant" because of the convergence of many unfavorable factors that affect safety. When having to drive in such conditions, drivers need to be more careful and steady than usual.
And here are some tips from this expert for safe driving at night in the rain:
1. Always focus on observing
According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, when driving in the rain at night, observation skills are the most important for drivers. When it rains, the road is slippery, and obstacles can suddenly appear. If you do not focus on observing and reacting promptly to handle the situation, accidents can easily happen.
To have good visibility at night, drivers need to clean and thoroughly clean the windshield, windows and rearview mirrors; at the same time, turn on the windshield defroster and set the air conditioner temperature appropriately to avoid moisture buildup that fogs up the windshield.
Many drivers have the habit of playing loud music while driving at night to avoid drowsiness. However, listening to music, chatting and especially using the phone can affect the driver's concentration and observation.
2. Turn on all lights with appropriate mode
Rain at night significantly reduces visibility. At this time, drivers have difficulty observing oncoming vehicles. Turning on all lights, including fog lights, will help drivers see the road more easily, as well as help other vehicles recognize them more easily.
When driving on long roads or steep mountain passes, the headlights should be switched to high beam mode. This helps the driver have good visibility and increases vehicle recognition. However, when meeting an oncoming vehicle or following another vehicle, the driver must switch to low beam mode.
This driving instructor also believes that when it rains heavily, it is not necessary to turn on the hazard lights (flashing both turn signals) as many people say because this is unnecessary and can even cause glare and difficulty in judging surrounding vehicles.
3. Use lower numbers
Similar to maintaining a lower speed than normal, experts also recommend using a low gear when traveling at night and in the rain. Because, when driving in a low gear, the car will grip the road better, and at the same time help you accelerate when necessary.
Using low gears also helps increase engine traction to the wheels, making it easier for the vehicle to get through flooded areas. For newer vehicles that are designed to drive in rainy or slippery conditions, this mode should be used to ensure safety.
4.Maintain a safe speed and distance, avoid sudden braking
Experts say that when driving in the rain and with limited visibility, the vehicle speed should be maintained slower than normal conditions by about 5-15 km/h to ensure safety. This is reasonable because when the road is slippery, the effective braking distance of the vehicle will be greater due to reduced friction.
In such conditions, drivers should absolutely not brake suddenly because the reduced friction can cause sudden braking which can cause your car to lose control or be at risk of being hit by the car behind. Instead of braking suddenly, drivers need to proactively observe and brake early to reduce risks.
When following another vehicle, drivers should also keep a larger distance from the vehicle in front. This gives you enough time and helps avoid a series of accidents when the vehicle in front encounters an unexpected situation.
5. Do not drive parallel to large vehicles
The "hard-won" experience that experts give when driving on the road is not to drive close to or parallel to large vehicles such as passenger buses, trucks, and containers because these vehicles have many "blind spots", making it even more difficult to observe when it rains or is dark.
Driving too close or not passing quickly can cause your car to be crushed or even rolled under a large vehicle, which is very dangerous. The solution is to stay away from these types of vehicles or at least avoid going into blind spots that can endanger you.
6. Drive on the right lane and follow other vehicles.
Driving in the rain at night, especially on mountain passes, is always more dangerous. One experience is to always drive according to the painted lines and try to drive near the center of the road because this is usually the safest and highest position.
In addition, when driving on the highway in heavy rain, the experience of "veteran drivers" is to be able to follow and keep a safe distance from a car in front. This makes it very easy for the driver to drive because the car in front is like a "navigator", leading the way, helping us predict curves, potholes or obstacles on the road to avoid.
In addition to the above experiences, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung also advised drivers to always check the technical condition of the vehicle before departure such as the lighting system, especially the headlights, brake lights; tires; wipers; windshield washer fluid;... and make sure they are still working well. At the same time, choose the most suitable route for a safe and secure trip.
