Driving in the rain

In this rainy weather, people will be driving like crazy on the roads and let me not even start on how jammed traffic is going to be. I personally do not like being anywhere  but indoors when it's raining. Lightning freaks me out and I kind of don't like the sound of thunder. 

So for those of you who will be driving, here are some general safety tips from www.arrivealive.co.za to consider.

• Use the two- second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you.
• If you find that an oncoming vehicle is overtaking from the opposite direction and will not be likely to do it safely, slow down and be prepared to move to the left shoulder if necessary.
• Beware of oil patches. Don't panic. Do not jam on your brakes, just steer through. In most cases, the patches will be small.
• Always change to a lower gear before you take a bend, especially a sharp bend. Your speed should be at its slowest as you enter the bend and both your hands should be on the steering wheel. This slow in/fast out technique gives you most control when driving around a bend.
• Increase your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance from two seconds to four seconds.
• Turn on your headlights.
  Be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
• Use your low-beam headlights to see and be seen. Wait a short time after the rain begins before using your windshield wipers because the blades may smear.
• Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery. 
  

And for those like me who will be using public transport, hold on to your seat, put on your headphones and hope that the driver gets you home safely.