Posted from our blog: http://www.spunkyspinderella.blogspot.com/
Driving in the rains is not for the weak-hearted and not for new drivers…..especially not in the monsoons, and definitely not on the highways! There is soooooooooo much you have to deal with! Rains can be unforgiving and harsh. Lightening can be disorientating. And the most common situation faced by commuters are skidding and aquaplaning.
But don’t let the monsoons intimidate you. Monsoon driving can also be relaxing, refreshing and breath-taking. All you have to do…..is stick to the guidelines.
I’ve put together 10 commandments that 9 years of driving has taught me, may it be a short drive to the next city or a long drive across the country. All you TGDC participants…this should help! (irrespective of whether you make it to the drive or not)
1. Monsoon-ize your car. Change tyres….check all liquid levels….check brakes…..make sure wipers can fullfill their main function, clean your windshield and check your lights. Oh…and please make sure your car papers are in order. You don’t want to have unnecessary trouble with the cops. Licence?? Don’t leave home without it!
2. Keep a first aid kit handy. Maybe two if its a long drive. Also make sure you throw in a warm blanket, a flashlight, some easy-listening CDs and a map.
3. Strap that seat-belt on. Do I really need to explain this further??!!
4. Is your gas tank full? Start looking for a fuel station, once the level drops below the half-tank mark.
5. Always keep safe distance. It takes far longer for your brakes to take effect in the rains. Also if you’re following buses/trucks., the spray from the wheels can reduce visibility.
6. Drive at a comfortable, constant speed, so you don’t have to use those brakes too often. Take your foot off the accelerator if you need to slow down gradually. Turn on your hazard lights, in case of emmergency braking.
7. Night driving requires skill. The glare of on-coming vehicles gets amplified by rain and can blind you for seconds. So does lightening. You’ll also come across vehicles with one or both faulty lights. Be alert constantly. Also, turn on your lights during heavy fog or rains. You do know there’s something called ‘fog lights’ yea??
8. Never drive through accumulated/moving water. If you cannot see the road or ground through the water, do not take a guess at its depth. If the water is deeper than the bottom of your doors, tuen around. The force of the water maybe more than the weight of your car. Make sure you’re revving your engine. Vroooooooooom!
9. Turn up the heat in your car, and direct the airflow to ‘defrost’, if you’re windows get fogged due to high humidity. If you don’t have an AC, roll down the windows a bit, so there’s some circulation of air.
10. Keep an eye on your car tyres. Tyres with thick tread provide traction. So replace you’re tyres immediately if you realize they’re balding.
P.S: I don’t have to tell you not to drink and drive, or talk on your cellphone / SMS friends while driving. Remember…... rash and negligent driving might not always take your life, but could handicap you or someone else for life.
Drive safe!!!
HAPPY DRIVING!!! 
