If you think you’re aquaplaning, ease off the accelerator so that you slow down gradually until your tyres grip the road again. You’ll know you’re aquaplaning because your steering will feel very light. A thin layer of water forms between your tyres and the road so that there is no longer any contact between tyre and tarmac. This is not a cool new water sport but happens when the water in front of your tyres builds up faster than your tyres can displace it. The Highway Code says: 'You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet)' (rule 226). This will help you to keep the clearest view of the road ahead.Īnd, as a rule of thumb, whenever you use your wipers, put your dipped headlights on. For example, if there’s a large vehicle coming the other way that’s throwing up a lot of spray, switch your wipers to the fastest setting before the spray is over you. OK, so that sounds pretty obvious, but think about how you use your wipers. Your windscreen will also be less likely to get covered in spray from the car in front, so you’ll be able to see better. Leaving plenty of space means you can brake safely, and avoid skidding. It’s really important in wet conditions that you double the normal distance between you and the car in front. The Highway Code says: 'In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required to stop on dry roads' (rule 227). If you drive too fast, the water cannot be fully displaced and you will have less grip, so driving slowly really does help you to stay safe. Take it easy and keep well backĭriving slowly will mean that your tyres will have more time to displace the water and you’ll have good grip. You may need wellies for when you get out of the car, but it’s probably not a good idea to drive in them. It’s also a good idea to make sure that you have your mobile phone on you (fully charged!) and that the shoes you plan to drive in are not going to slip off the pedals.
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