The Twin Threats: Darkness and Downpours
Driving in the rain is challenging, but doing so at night multiplies the risk. Heavy rain alone impairs visibility, making it difficult to see road signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles. [22] At night, this is compounded by the glare of headlights on wet
pavement and the reduced effectiveness of your own headlamps as rain scatters the light. [22, 20] The combination can severely compromise depth perception and colour distinction. [25] Furthermore, humidity can cause windshields and mirrors to fog up, further obscuring your view. [22, 25] It's a dual threat where both weather and the time of day work against you, demanding heightened awareness and preparation.
Vehicle Preparedness: Your First Line of Defence
Before you even turn the key, ensuring your car is monsoon-ready is critical. Tyres are your only contact with the road, and their condition is paramount. [6] Ensure they have adequate tread depth—at least 3mm is advisable—to effectively channel water and prevent skids. [17] Worn-out tyres struggle to disperse water, increasing the chances of aquaplaning. [14] Equally important are your wiper blades. If they leave streaks or fail to clear water effectively, replace them immediately. [2, 15] A surprisingly low percentage of Indian drivers proactively change their wipers before the monsoon. [4] Finally, check that all your lights are functional: headlights, tail lamps, brake lights, and indicators. [2] Using low-beam headlights during rain, even in the daytime, makes you more visible to others. [12, 27]
On the Road: Adapting Your Driving Style
The most important adjustment to make is to slow down. Higher speeds are a primary factor in hydroplaning, a dangerous phenomenon where your tyres lose contact with the road and skim over a layer of water. [5, 8] Reducing your speed gives your tyres a better chance to grip the road and gives you more time to react. [8] Maintain at least double the usual following distance from the vehicle in front, as braking distances are severely affected on wet roads. [14, 17] Avoid sudden manoeuvres; gentle steering, acceleration, and braking are key to maintaining traction. [5, 9] It’s also wise to avoid using cruise control, as it can cause the wheels to accelerate if you start to hydroplane, making it harder to regain control. [11]
Navigating Hidden Dangers: Potholes and Waterlogging
Monsoon rains often conceal a road's true condition. Puddles can hide deep potholes that can damage your tyres or suspension. [26] It's best to avoid standing water whenever possible. [10] If you must drive through a waterlogged area, do so slowly and steadily in a low gear (first or second) to keep the engine RPMs up and prevent water from entering the exhaust. [21] Do not stop or accelerate suddenly. [18] If your car stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it. [3, 7] Trying to do so can force water into the engine, causing a catastrophic failure known as hydrostatic lock. [7] The safest option is to have the vehicle towed. [3]
The Peril of Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning can happen at any speed, but the risk increases significantly above 50-60 km/h. [7, 9] It feels as if your steering has suddenly become light and unresponsive. [9] If this happens, it is crucial not to panic. Do not slam on the brakes or make sharp turns. [10] Instead, ease your foot off the accelerator to let the car slow down naturally. [9] Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and steer gently in the direction you want the car to go. [9, 10] As the vehicle slows, the tyres will regain contact with the road surface, and you will feel control return. Once traction is restored, you can gently apply the brakes or accelerate as needed. [9]
In Case of an Emergency
If visibility becomes so poor that you cannot see the edges of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance, the best course of action is to pull over and wait for the rain to subside. [17] Find a safe spot away from traffic, ideally on higher ground, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. [12, 17] If you get stuck in rising water, it is essential to assess the situation calmly. If the water is rising quickly, it's safer to abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground. [19] To escape, try opening the door or rolling down a window before the water pressure outside makes it difficult. [3, 18]
