When driving in wet and windy conditions road users need to take particular care. Specifically drivers should heed the following advice
• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down extra distance between you and the vehicle in front
• Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
• Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
• Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility
• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times
• Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with 100 km/h and 120 km/h roads
• Check tyres and replace them if the thread depth is below 3mm
With added risks posed by wet or flooded roads the RSA has the following advice;
• If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think
• After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes
• Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding
• Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic
• Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects
Advice for Pedestrians & Cyclists;
• Be seen. Wear a high visibility jacket or reflective armband
• Walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths
• Take extra care when near traffic or crossing the road in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle