Guidelines for drivers to deal with the risk of slipping on the roads in the `first winter`

Weather of Arabia - With the change of seasons and the start of the rainy season, vehicle problems and the possibilities of traffic accidents increase, especially the slipping problem that occurs when it rains for the first time after a period of confinement, and for safe driving, the driver must deal with the road and the vehicle with caution and wisdom.

In the interest of your safety, we offer you the following tips for safe driving to avoid slipping in the "first winter" and some instructions in case the driver encounters an emergency.

The reason for the slippage of vehicles in the first winter

When the first drops of rain fall or the rain falls after a long period of confinement, drivers face difficulty driving as a result of mixing water with dirt and oils on the roads, which accumulated during the summer, forming a sticky layer between the tires and the road, which causes tire slippage or what is called slipping. Hydroplane skid, so that the driver is unable to control his vehicle because the tires do not adhere to the road surface despite applying the brakes.

What is a hydroplane skid

Hydroslide occurs when your tires lose contact with the road and begin to roll over a thin layer of water. It can happen when the tire is not able to move the water out fast enough to maintain proper contact with the road. This can also happen in the case of worn tires, when the tire surface is in good condition, the grooves and grooves do the job of giving water a place to enter through and prevent the tire from slipping (this is when driving at a safe speed), then most of the rubber in the tire will be in contact with the asphalt, which maintains traction Enough between tires and the road.

(Sips and grooves in car tires that allow water on the road to get through to prevent slipping)

Tips for drivers when driving in such conditions:

1. The first (10) minutes of rain is considered the most dangerous. Avoid walking on the roads during this period unless necessary, until the road is completely wet and the rain water removes dirt, petroleum and dust.
2. Reduce the speed in proportion to the condition of the road, this reduces the risk of skidding and gives you enough time to avoid dangers that may appear suddenly on the road.
3. Pay attention on the road and leave a safer distance more than is required under normal conditions.
4. Avoid using the brakes, and use reverse gear instead.
5. Don't use cruise control, as it can cause your tires to spin faster if the vehicle starts to skid.
6. Make sure the windshield wipers are in good condition, and the front and rear windshields are clean for a clearer view.
7. Don't use the brakes when cornering as much as possible, use the brakes before entering the turn.

Instructions for controlling slip on the road:

If you feel the steering wheel is light, gently depress the gas pedal and let the car slow down, do not apply the brakes suddenly, and in the event of slipping, the best way to avoid an accident is to follow the following instructions:

1. Don't panic, be calm and take your foot off the gas pedal and gently apply the brakes
2. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of sliding
3. Do not apply the brakes suddenly or violently, as it may lead to a complete loss of control of the car.
4. If the car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), keep pressing the pedal firmly, and let the brakes perform their work according to the programmed system automatically.
5. Do not fully trust the brakes that operate with the automatic anti-lock system, because the brakes, even high-tech ones, do not guarantee you a safe stop if you are driving too fast, or if there is no safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
6. You may need to correct the vehicle with very slight motions of the steering wheel several times while the tires regain traction, but don't overdo it.

Read also: Tips and recommendations for safe driving on the roads during rainy and foggy conditions