Your Pre-Trip Vehicle Health Check
Your car is your first and most important line of defence against treacherous, rain-slicked roads. Start with the most critical components a few days before your trip. First, inspect your tyres. They are your only connection to the road, and good tread
is essential for grip and to prevent aquaplaning. For monsoon safety, experts suggest a tread depth of at least 3mm. Also, check for correct tyre pressure, including in the spare. Next, test your brakes. Wet roads significantly increase stopping distances, so your brake pads and fluid must be in top condition. Your windscreen wipers are equally vital; if they leave streaks or make noise, replace them. Clear visibility is paramount. Finally, ensure all your lights—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators—are working perfectly. They help you see and, just as importantly, help others see you.
Smart Route Planning for Safety
Spontaneity is great, but not when it comes to driving in the mountains during the rain. Before you leave, always check the latest weather forecasts and local road advisories. Heavy rainfall can trigger landslides and flash floods, leading to unexpected road closures. It is always safer to delay your trip if severe weather is predicted. Plan to drive during daylight hours, as visibility drops dramatically at night and it's harder to spot hazards. When mapping your journey, have a backup plan. Avoid shortcuts that might take you on poorly maintained or unpaved roads, which become even more dangerous in the rain. Stick to major, well-paved roads where possible and use apps that provide real-time traffic and weather alerts along your route.
Techniques for the Drive
Once on the road, adjust your driving style for the conditions. Reduce your speed significantly; speed limits are set for ideal, dry conditions. Double your following distance to at least four or five seconds to account for longer braking times. A critical technique for ghat roads is using engine braking when going downhill. Instead of riding the brakes, which can cause them to overheat and fail, shift to a lower gear. A good rule of thumb is to use the same gear to go down a slope that you would use to climb it. Be extremely cautious on blind corners and hairpin bends; honk to alert oncoming traffic. It is also customary to give way to vehicles climbing uphill, as it is much harder for them to stop and regain momentum.
Handling Aquaplaning and Low Visibility
Aquaplaning, or hydroplaning, is when your tyres lose contact with the road and skim over a layer of water, causing a loss of control. It can happen at speeds as low as 55 km/h. To avoid it, steer clear of large puddles and try to drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead. Never use cruise control in the rain. If you feel the car start to float or the steering become light, do not panic or slam the brakes. Instead, ease your foot off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go until you feel the tyres regain traction. If visibility becomes almost zero in a downpour, the safest action is to find a secure spot to pull over, away from cliffs or loose soil, and wait for the rain to subside.
Your Monsoon Emergency Kit
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Getting stranded is more likely in hilly areas during the monsoon. Your emergency kit should be tailored for this. Include a powerful flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and high-energy, non-perishable snacks and water. A tow rope, jumper cables, and a tyre puncture kit with an inflator can be invaluable. Also pack a blanket, a raincoat, and a fully charged power bank for your phone. Having these items on hand can turn a potential crisis into a manageable inconvenience while you wait for conditions to improve or for help to arrive.
