How to stay safe on wet roads

Wednesday, 4 March 2020

A few simple safety suggestions for safer driving in wet weather.

With much of the country being hit with rain for the first time in a while, police are warning motorists to adjust their driving for the conditions to account for the water and the effects of sudden rain after a long dry periods on the roads - an unseen hazard known as 'summer ice'. Here's how to avoid a nasty crash as wet weather progresses over the country.

What is 'summer ice' anyway?

'Summer ice' is what happens when rain meets dust, dirt and oil that has built up on the road after a dry period, like the drought hitting the North Island at the moment.

'Summer ice' is what happens when rain meets the dust, dirt and oil that has built up on the road after a dry period.

NZTA regional system manager Rob Campbell said: 'Even a very small amount of rain can make the roads very slippery. In fact, it can be more hazardous than heavy rain because grime and exhaust particles that have built up on the road take longer to be washed away.'

**READ MORE:

Always increase your following distances in the wet.

* 'Summer ice' warning for roads as rain returns to Northland, Auckland

* Waikato police urge caution on wet roads

* Two taken to hospital after cars collide on wet road

* Driver fails to take bend on rural road in wet weather

If the weather gets really bad, aquaplaning is a possibility.

* Two vehicles flip and three injured in separate crashes on slippery Nelson roads**

It's invisible, like black ice, so the best ways to prevent a crash are to drive more cautiously and inspect your vehicle.

No need to rush

Waikato road policing manager Inspector Jeff Penno said 'in adverse conditions motorists should lower their speed, and read and adhere to any advisory signs. Slow down a bit and stay alive.'

Pay extra attention when passing or being passed by trucks as they can throw up large amounts of water.

Campbell echoed that sentiment: 'Stay safe by increasing following distances and reducing speed. Safe speeds are critcal.'

Additonally, take extra care on corners and try not to make any sudden manoeuvres.

Aquaplaning is also possible if it really starts to pour. This is when a wedge of water lifts the front of the tyre off the road surface, caused by the tyres not being able to displace the amount of water on the road. If this happens to you, keep the steering wheel straight and ease off the throttle. The car will regain grip as the water clears.

Think twice about using cruise control

Cruise control is brilliant on long trips or for keeping your speed down in town.

However, it can't see potential drama unfolding ahead or a massive puddle in the road. If you're not paying full attention, you might not be able to react to a hazard in time. Be careful about trusting the computer in really wet conditions.

Watch the other guys

Oncoming traffic, typically trucks, can spray a huge amount of water onto your windscreen, which can take a few moments to totally clear. It only takes a second to get into an accident so if you think your vision might be impaired, quickly scout the road ahead, slow down and move to the left, if you can.

Don't forget to TWIRL

TWIRL is an acronym coined by the NZTA to help people remember the vital points of a car that need to be checked. It stands for Tyres, Windscreen, Indicators, Rust and Lights. In damp and slippery conditions, it really pays to make sure your tyres are up to scratch with at least 1.5mm of tread depth. Have a look at the insides of your tyres for uneven wear as well.

Obviously, you need to see when you're driving. Make sure your windscreen is clear and uncracked (front and back, wing mirrors too) and we'll throw in windscreen wipers here too. They aren't expensive and can make a big difference.

Ensure all of your indicators are working, your car isn't rusting in vital areas and that your lights are illuminating correctly. It might seem a chore but if spending some money ends up preventing a nasty crash, you'll be grateful.