Why Local Warnings Matter
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is your most reliable source for weather information. It uses a colour-coded alert system to communicate risk levels: Green (No Warning), Yellow (Watch), Orange (Be Prepared), and Red (Take Action). Ignoring these
can be perilous. An Orange alert signals a high likelihood of disruptions like traffic jams and waterlogging, making non-essential travel unwise. A Red alert signifies extreme conditions with a significant risk to life and property, where you should avoid all non-essential travel. These warnings are especially critical in hilly regions prone to landslides and coastal areas susceptible to high winds. Recent events, such as the July 2026 landslide on the Yamunotri National Highway, are stark reminders that these risks are recurring, not rare.
Decoding the Dangers on the Road
Driving in the rain presents multiple challenges. Hydroplaning, where a layer of water between your tyres and the road causes a loss of traction, is a major risk, especially at higher speeds on worn tyres. Visibility can drop dramatically due to heavy rain and the spray from other vehicles. Furthermore, wet roads significantly increase your braking distance—sometimes by double or triple. Waterlogged roads are another common monsoon hazard. It’s often impossible to judge the depth, and just a foot of water can be enough to carry away a small car. These puddles can also hide dangerous potholes or debris. In hilly areas, the danger is amplified by the constant threat of landslides, which can block roads or cause them to collapse.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Checklist
Before you even think of starting the engine, a thorough vehicle check is non-negotiable. Start with your tyres; they are your only contact with the road. Ensure they have adequate tread depth (at least 2-3mm) to channel water away and provide grip. Check and replace worn-out wiper blades that leave streaks, and top up your windshield washer fluid. All lights—headlights, tail lights, indicators, and fog lamps—must be in perfect working order to see and be seen. Get your brakes inspected, as their efficiency is reduced on wet surfaces. Also, check your battery, as increased use of lights and wipers puts more strain on it.
Safe Driving Techniques for the Rain
Once on the road, adapt your driving to the conditions. The most important rule is to slow down. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react and helps prevent hydroplaning. Increase the standard two-second following distance to at least four seconds to compensate for longer braking distances. Always drive with your low-beam headlights on, even during the day, to improve your visibility to other drivers. Avoid using high beams, which reflect off raindrops and worsen visibility. Never use cruise control on wet roads, as you need to be in complete control. If you must navigate through a waterlogged area, do so only if you are certain it's shallow. Drive slowly in a low gear while keeping the engine revs high to prevent water from entering the exhaust. However, the safest option is always to find an alternative route.
What to Do If You Get Stuck
If you find your car stuck in rising floodwater, the priority is your safety, not the vehicle's. Do not attempt to restart the engine if it stalls in deep water, as this can cause catastrophic damage. If water is rising around you, unlock the doors and lower the windows before the water pressure makes it impossible. Unbuckle your seatbelt, abandon the vehicle, and move to higher ground. It's advised not to stay on the roof of the car, as it could be swept away. Packing an emergency kit before your trip is crucial. This should include a basic toolkit, a first-aid kit, extra fuses, a tow rope, an umbrella, and a change of clothes.
