Your Vehicle: The First Line of Defence
Before you even think about starting your journey, a thorough vehicle check is non-negotiable. Your tyres are the only connection between your car and the slippery road, so ensure they have adequate tread depth and are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended
pressure. Worn-out tyres significantly increase the risk of hydroplaning, where a layer of water builds up and causes you to lose control. Equally critical are your wipers, headlights, and brakes. Replace worn wiper blades to ensure a clear view through the windscreen. Check that all lights—headlights (low and high beams), tail lights, and indicators—are functioning perfectly. Wet roads reduce visibility and also absorb more light, making effective headlights essential. Finally, have your brakes inspected; wet conditions demand a responsive and reliable braking system to handle increased stopping distances.
On the Road: The Art of Cautious Driving
Once you're on the move, your driving style must adapt to the treacherous conditions. The golden rule is to slow down. Driving at a reduced speed gives you more time to react and allows more of your tyre’s tread to contact the road, improving traction. Maintain a significantly larger following distance from the vehicle in front of you—braking can take up to three times longer on wet surfaces. When navigating the sharp bends and steep inclines of ghat roads, gear selection is critical. Use lower gears, especially when descending. This technique, known as engine braking, helps control your speed without overheating your brakes. Never coast downhill in neutral, as this can lead to brake failure. Use your horn judiciously around blind curves to alert oncoming traffic of your presence. It is also a widely accepted rule on ghat roads to give way to vehicles travelling uphill, as they require more momentum and effort to climb.
Mastering Skids and Low Visibility
Driving at night in the rain combines two of the most challenging conditions. Rain and fog severely limit how far you can see. Use your low-beam headlights; high beams will reflect off the rain and fog, worsening your visibility. If you find your car starting to hydroplane or skid, the most important thing is not to panic. Do not slam on the brakes, which can lock the wheels and worsen the skid. Instead, gently ease your foot off the accelerator. Steer calmly in the direction you want the front of the car to go until you feel the tyres regain traction with the road surface. Try to drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you, as this path will have less standing water.
Emergency Preparedness and Landslide Awareness
Ghat roads during the monsoon are prone to landslides. Be extremely vigilant and watch for warning signs like falling rocks, mud, or sudden changes in water flow in nearby streams. If you encounter a landslide, do not attempt to drive through it. Your vehicle can be easily swept away. The safest action is often to stay inside the vehicle, which can act as a protective shell, unless it becomes more dangerous than being outside. Before your trip, inform family or friends of your route and estimated arrival time. Pack an emergency kit containing a first-aid kit, torch, warm blankets, non-perishable food, and water. Ensure your phone is fully charged. If you need to stop for any reason, find a safe spot away from sharp turns and on stable ground, ensuring your vehicle is visible to other drivers.
