I live in a part of the world where the weather is generally hot, dry and much of the time, dusty. Summers can reach 40 degrees celcius or more. Driving is no problem as the streets are dry - and is often quite relaxing because you can sit in your air conditioned rental car to escape the heat. That said, even though the winter is short here, it definitely comes with a vengeance.
Today is December 1st and we got our first real rain. And when I say rain, I mean full-on unbrellas flipping inside out stormy weather. People here are not used to these types of conditions, let alone driving in them so one has to be extra careful, both while driving and also when crossing the street. Just today I had to run out in the middle of the chaos and while corssing the street, fell flat on my face in a puddle the size of a lake. Luckily there were no cars coming but if there had been I probably would not be writing this blog right now.
There are some tips to driving safely in stormy, wet weather:
- Look for rental car coupons so that you can save some extra cash and rent a sturdy car that can handle rough weather. SUV's and trucks are great vehicles to rent when outdoor conditions are dodgy.
- Drive slowly! Just as I slipped in a massive puddle, cars too can slip and slide in wet weather (especially when it hasn't rained for awhile). Driving slowly will allow you to have more control over your vehicle thus avoiding potentially catastrophic situations.
- Keep your windows clean and clear. You need all the help you can get to see properly. To avoid your windows fogging up, turn on the air conditioning.
- Make sure your lights are turned on. If you find yourself on a country road turn on your bright lights to have better vision.
- Keep both hands on the wheel at all times. Your cheap rental car may slip and slide, so make sure you have ample control of the vehicle.
- Most importantly, pay attention and stay alert. Don't drive when you are tired or feeling unwell. Perhaps drink a cup of coffee or eat a chocolate bar before venturing out. You'll be thankful you did so in the long run.