Hi, James here, your friendly One 2 Pass Driving School Instructor in Caloundra.
As per normal on my blogs, I’m going to base this on my own personal opinion or experience and / or supported from sources, facts and / or legislation quoted for driving on Queensland’s roads.
Today I’m going to talk about; How to drive in wet weather conditions.
So this is a great topic… I like to discuss many topics of driving with my students. I feel this helps each and every student in their preparation as a safe driver that is looking to successfully pass their practical driving examination test.
So I’m about to set off on a journey and the weather forecast isn’t looking good and rain and showers are forecast.
Drive to the conditions to arrive safely.
Firstly you do have to make an assessment and factor the conditions as you settle into your drivers seat to make your planned journey as accurately and informed and as safely as possible. I would make sure that I turn my head lights on to low beam so that I make vehicle as visible to other road users as possible. Reduce my speed in line with other road users so that your safety isn’t compromised or of those traveling in your vehicle. Constantly mange the road conditions as it is constantly evolving. Look for hazards that could come from all directions to your vehicle. Manage the safe following distance behind other vehicles and allow plenty of time for braking safely as stopping distances are now greatly increased with changing weather conditions. Look at the actual road that you are traveling and look for hazards such as pot holes which could cause punctures, steering and wheel alignments issues, damaged rims, incidents or accidents, that potentially occur with vehicles traveling around or beside your vehicle.
Wiper’s and wiper blades.
Keep your wiper blades in excellent condition. If your wiper blades are not removing excess water from the windshield evenly or accurately then get them replaced, don’t wait for the rain to arrive before doing the maintenance. Keep your windoscreen wiper blades in tip top condition. Replace as often as necessary or required.
Tyres.
Always keep regular check on the state of your vehicles tyres. Avoid driving up curbs, rollings over curbs, driving through potholes, wheel spinning, incorrect tyre pressure, unmatched tyres, wheel balance and alignments. Driving on the correct sized tyres is always a must for your vehicle. Keep a regular maintenance programme. Consult your local tyre manufacturer or tyre dealer for accurate and appropriate information specific to your vehicles situation.
Gears.
During wet weather conditions this may be the time to use the appropriate gears selection in your vehicle especially when traveling up or down steep descents.
Driving around roundabouts in wet weather.
On any given road there is sloping degree in which water is set to disperse and run off in a planned directions. Roundabouts can have low points on the inside of the circle so you will need to be aware of ponding water and the likelihood of aqua planing your vehicle if you haven’t seen ponding water.
Driving high or low speed roads in wet weather.
Driving in wet weather conditions on high speed roads can be very difficult and dangerous to manage. Make sure you drive to the prevailing conditions and the speed the road is safe to travel at. Beware of coming a hazard to other road users. Drive to the conditions.
Drivings tram tracks in wet weather.
Often you will see what I like to call “tram tracks” caused from heavy vehicles. This is most notable at traffic light areas or stopping points like Give Way signs or Stop signs. These areas are often uneven surfaces and have a tendency to make you make car shift around within the lane. Take caution whilst driving in these areas.
Tailgating.
No one likes someone who tailgates another driver. It’s not cool. It’s not smart. It’s not safe. Tailgating is aggressive behaviour and an unsafe driving practice that causes road users to become frustrated and anxious. When you have a vehicle tailgating your vehicle you now have two vehicles you have to manage because you’re now having to think for two drivers from the lead vehicle as the second vehicle that’s tailgating has reduced vision and the ability to stop safely in an emergency situation. If you are the car following a car that is being tailgated you will note the constant taping of the brake lights from the vehicle tailgating.
My best advise is keep plenty of distance between you and any tailgating vehicles unsafe driving practices.
YOU have no idea of their state of mind or abilities as a driver.
DO NOT TAILGATE!
Rubber banding.
Have you ever experienced a terrible driver, driving behind your vehicle who just doesn’t seem to be able to manage a road safe speed and keeping a good, constant and safe following distance? These drivers are the worst! My best advice is to move your vehicle, perhaps change lanes and let this driver pass and overtake so you can continue on your safe journey.
Aqua planing.
Reduce speed in heavy rain and try to see where the pockets of laying water present on roads and be mindful or the possibility of gliding over water into an aqua plane state which could potentially make you loose control of your vehicle.
Cruise Control.
Never use your cruise control in rainy hazardous weather conditions. This can lead too or cause loss of vehicle control or even aqua planing of your vehicle.
Information and links that can be very useful:
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Ph: 132 380
If you need to book your driving test examination.
Youtube – TMR:
QLD POLICE SERVICE:
Emergency Ph: 000
Non Emergency Ph: 131 444
Crimestoppers Ph:1800 333 000
QLD Ambulance Service
Emergency call Ph: 000
General enquiries and first aid courses
Ph: 13 74 68
QLD Fire Service
Emergency call Ph: 000
As a Sunshine Coast driving instructor I’m available in all of these suburbs for driving lessons; Caloundra West, Golden Beach, Pelican Waters, Meridian Plains, Caloundra, Moffat Beach, Dicky Beach, Aroona, Battery Hill, Little Mountain, Currimundi, Baringa, Nirimba, Wurtalla, Birtinya, Bokarina,
Lessons book and fill fast so book early for your preferred times and dates so as not to miss out or be disappointed.
You might also see me teaching a lesson in Forest Glen, Buderim, Tanawha, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands, Mooloolaba, Minyama, Buddina, Mountain Creek, Sippy Downs and Palm View.
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I hope you enjoyed todays blog. Please remember, this blog is based on my own personal opinion and experiences that may be supported by facts, legislation or sources that I have quoted from.
Safe driving fellow road users and remember to always make good driving decisions.
James, your friendly One 2 Pass Driving School Instructor Caloundra.
