Road Safety During Monsoon

During monsoons, flooded streets, slippery roads, waterlogging, and potholes make the driving experience nothing less than a challenge. However, for the public travelling daily and those who have no choice but to be on the roads, it can be a tough day.

Riding a vehicle during the monsoon season can be quite dangerous. When driving in the rain, you have to deal with slippery roads, strong gusts, and limited vision, increasing the risk of accidents. Incessant rainfall leads to bad traffic jams, leaving commuters stranded for several hours.

Road Safety Tips for Safe Driving During Monsoon

1. Check Your Vehicle

Before heading out, ensure the bike or car is working properly and in perfect condition. Even the smallest technical flaw can significantly impact your road safety during the monsoon.

Avoid getting stuck on muddy roads, and make sure the tyres, windshield wipers, headlights, tail lights, brakes, tyre tread, etc. are all in good condition. Also, ensure that your vehicle tyres are adequately inflated.

2. Drive Slowly

Wet roads are highly slippery, rendering them prone to accidents. Some dangers of driving a car during the rainy season include mud-covered slippery roadways and reduced visibility due to heavy rainfall. As a result, it's best to drive slowly and steadily.

Avoid applying rapid brakes, accelerating, or turning sharply. Applying brakes suddenly can cause the vehicle to skid and cause an accident.

3. Maintain a Safe Distance From Other Vehicles

Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is a general monsoon road safety guideline for all vehicle drivers. This is especially crucial during the monsoon season due to poor visibility. When driving on a rainy day, maintain a safe distance from the front vehicle because it becomes harder to stop your vehicle on wet roads.

4. Do Not Ride With an Open Umbrella

Many two-wheeler pillion riders cover themselves with umbrellas while riding. This can be quite dangerous, resulting in an accident, and the pillion rider risks being run over by passing automobiles. Wearing a raincoat instead of carrying an umbrella is preferable for both the rider and the pillion rider.

5. Avoid Driving on Flooded Roads

Avoid flooded roads because water and mud may leak into the vehicle, causing an electrical breakdown. A manhole can also be present underneath the flooded waters, causing the car to be stuck, and making you helpless in such situations.

6. Wear a Seatbelt And Helmet

Keep your seatbelt on if you're driving a four-wheeler, and encourage other passengers in the car to do the same. It is essential always to wear a helmet while driving a two-wheeler. Still, it becomes a priority during the monsoon season to prevent any head injuries, as roads are slippery and the vehicle can easily skid.

7. Fuel-up Before Setting Off

Imagine being stuck at a distant location during a rainy day with no petrol in your vehicle and no filling station nearby. Isn't it scary? Ensure you fill your car to avoid having your automobile break down in the middle of the road.

8. Avoid Offroading

Going off the usual path can be enjoyable in the summer, but during the monsoon, especially in the highlands, it can only cause you grief. Remember the following monsoon road safety advice when driving in the mountains: stay as much as possible on the well-paved road and avoid driving on loose dirt, muddy roads, and patches to prevent skidding or getting stuck in it.

9. Keep The Headlights on

Since rain greatly reduces visibility on roads, it is wise to keep your automobile headlights on, regardless of the intensity of rainfall. This helps improve your visibility, and other vehicles coming from the opposite side can see you.

Stay alert! Follow all of the above safety precautions to ensure a safe return home after the journey.

Accidents don't come with a warning; it just happens! Only timely interventions and precautions can save lives and severity.

The emergency department at Medicover Hospitals is staffed around the clock by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, doctors, and nurses skilled in critical and emergency care to provide timely treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions