Paul Messam, Gleaner Writer

Driving in bad weather is no bed of roses. In fact, cloudy and rainy weather greatly reduces visibility and hinders control. Objects are seemingly blended which can create a false impression and thus create a recipe for an accident. These objects are difficult to see and distances become hard to judge.

"Driving in bad weather is not as dangerous as it might appear," says mechanic Steve Wright. "A driver should remember that the faster he or she goes, the faster he slides." According to Wright, whether good weather or bad weather, hurricane or sunshine, the motorist should be alert, prepared and act in time in case of any eventualities. "He should not panic, but maintain his distance from the vehicle in front, stay focused and should not get distracted by the things around him," he says. Night driving mixed with rain can create a real challenge for motorists. Reflection from the pavement, lights of oncoming vehicles, and a sick motor car can be serious to the safe driving process.

Wright reminds the motor vehicle owners to service their vehicles when stipulated to do so. Check steering if there is any vibration. Tyres - if there is any unusual thumping while driving, check them for any cuts, bumps or bad thread as these can cause a grand blowout. Check brakes to ensure that you can stop smoothly and quickly. Also, the turn signals, brake lights, tail light, horn, headlights and windshield.

Drivers are advised to pay greater attention to the roads in bad weather, especially after the onslaught of dangerous 'Dean' who left a trail of disaster to many homes and roads. There should be no one-hand driving, gazing or daydreaming while driving. This can spell trouble. Drivers should be aware that a moment of complete blindness occurs just as an approaching vehicle speeds past.

instantaneous adjustment

"The brightness of the lights, immediately followed by darkness, forces ones eyes to make an instantaneous adjustment," says Dr. Hame Persaud. However, a defensive driver should make it a point of duty to switch on his low beam whenever he is approaching or overtaking traffic. "The glare of high-beam headlights in a driver's eyes or in his rear-view mirror can reduce his vision," advised Persaud. It is, therefore, safer to lower your lights for approaching traffic. Why? The driver you blind could end up into your lane giving you a head-on blow.

Apart from blurring the driver's view of conditions ahead, rain can make a highway slippery and so increase the stopping distances and the danger of skidding. It must be noted that during the very heavy rains, the water combines with oil and rubber on the road surfaces and creates slipperiness. Also, even after the road has been baptised and is clean, it will unfortunately still remain more slippery than when dry. Here tyre adhesion has been cut and so handling will be affected. Motorists should deal with all braking, steering and acceleration with sheer tact in the rain. Ensure that a concerted effort is made to create smooth changes in trying to avoid sudden changes of speed and direction.

In bad weather, all motorists should ensure that:

Windshield defrosters are working effectively.

Windshield washers should be utilised.

You drive slowly, cautiously, smoothly and steadily.

Your eyes are operating at their peak.

There is adequate petrol inthe vehicle.

Drivers are advised to pay greater attention to the roads in bad weather, especially after the onslaught of dangerous 'Dean' who left a trail of disaster to many homes and roads. There should be no one-hand driving, gazing or daydreaming while driving. This can spell trouble.