Precautions to take while driving in rains

Precautions to take while driving in rains

Rains are intense in very many parts of India and we have already discussed for the welfare of public regarding safety measures that we need to observe during monsoons. Sometime last week, there was a brief narration in Tamil Murasu, an evening daily in Tamil Nadu. It was actually an accident news that in Gurgaon where a family was driving in their closed cars through roads that have been flooded. They had thier car air conditioner switched on even in that chill climate. Unfortunately, the car got entangled in a ditch and in a bid to recover it automatically, the head of family, who was driving the car tried to switch gears but in vain. His hard efforts were joining hands with fate to act in the opposite direction. The engine started to emit and leak partially combusted gas, the silent killer (Carbon Monoxide) into the vehicle.

With the windows lifted off, the entire vehicle was soon engulfed with this gas bringing the entire family into unconsciousness. Since they could not even gather strength to open the windows, very soon the entire family succumbed to the silent killer.  I thought, I would share this with other readers after compiling more info regarding safe driving during rains.

Here are the some of the tips.

1. During rain, the roads would be very slippery. Hence avoid rash driving and speeding up since we may not get enough brakes to apply in case of need and the vehicle might skid. Slow and steady wins the race too.
2. Have your headlights on so that the opposite vehicles would know of a vehicle coming. Ensure that the bulbs are bright and new during rainy season. Avoid using parking and indicator lights in lieu of headlights since they cause a serious confusion to other vehicle users.
   
3. Ensure that batteries are charged to operate the lights and windshield wipers.
4. There are chances that overhead electric cables might fall on the vehicle particularly travelling towards highways. Do not jump out of the vehicle and alert the Highway Patrol Emergency Team. Ensure that you do not give direct earthing contact. However, when a fire is imminent, try to carefully jump out of the vehicle.
5. Keep windows open and spare the air conditioners so that the Carbon monoxide poisoning accidents are avoided. A properly overhauled engine and exhaust systems reduces carbon monoxide forming in the vehicle. Avoid running or racing the engine in closed places like garage.
6. Remember the following some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide in case of emergency:
1. Weariness
2. Dizzing
3. Nausea
4. Headache
5. Ringing in the ears.
7. And avoid cellphones while driving. We have been pleading this for your care for time and again. Check this out post.