Safe Driving Tips: How to Drive Safely on Kenyan Roads in the Rain

Many people lose their lives every year to accidents on Kenyan roads due to various factors including careless driving, drunk driving, overspeeding, etc. Just like driving at night, the risk of accidents increases also when it rains. This is because rain reduces visibility on the road and makes road surfaces more slippery, making driving difficult. To drive safely on Kenyan roads when it rains, you must be extra cautious to ensure your safety and that of other road users.

Here are some valuable safe driving tips on Kenyan roads when it is raining. If you follow these tips, you can navigate the road safely and reduce the risk of causing an accident or getting involved in one.

Slow down and maintain a safe distance

One of the most important things to do to drive safely in the rain is to slow down and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Rain reduces visibility and you shouldn’t drive fast when you can’t see the road clearly. It also makes the road surface wet, which might cause skidding and increases the braking distance when you apply the brakes. Therefore, drive slowly and keep a safe distance to get enough reaction time in case of emergencies. 

Use your fog lights or headlights

Another important safe driving tip when driving in the rain is to use your fog lights or parking lights. Some cars have fog lights installed in them, and they are there for a reason—to be turned on when the weather is foggy or rainy for other drivers to see you. If your car doesn’t have fog lights, then you can use your parking lights. However, depending on the weather condition, you can turn on your headlights if the visibility is too low. Just make sure to use the low beams so as not to blind other drivers. Also, use turn signals correctly to communicate your intentions to other drivers.

Be extra cautious at intersections

Intersections can be dangerous when it’s raining, as it’s difficult to see oncoming vehicles and judge their distance. Slowing down and looking carefully before proceeding is one of the most important safe driving tips to observe while at intersections. Stop completely and be extra cautious when turning. Yielding the right of way can also help you navigate safely.

Avoid hydroplaning

Hydroplaning can be a serious hazard when driving in the rain. This happens when you drive too fast through a flooded section, which causes your tires to lose contact with the road. It is even worse if your tyres are under-inflated. This can make you lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident. 

To avoid hydroplaning, reduce your speed, avoid driving through stagnant water if possible, and ensure your tires are properly inflated.

Watch out for pedestrians and other road users

Safe driving in the rain is not only about avoiding accidents with other cars. It’s also important to be mindful of other road users. In such situations, it’s difficult to spot pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, so it’s important to be alert and watch out for them. Be careful not to hit pedestrians who are crossing or walking by the road.

Conclusion

Rain makes it difficult to drive safely, so you have to be extra careful. If you can’t see well or the conditions are too dangerous to continue driving, it’s always a good idea to pull over and wait until the weather improves. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and pulling over will ensure the safety of you and other road users. Just ensure to turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.