Weather phenomena associated with this time of year, such as rain, fog and snow, often become additional challenges for drivers. Reduced visibility and slippery surfaces can make driving more dangerous, requiring greater caution and adaptation to driving.
Taking into account that 90% of the information we receive when driving reaches our brain through sight, there is no doubt that maintaining clear and sharp vision is essential for safety on the road. In this sense, rain in particular can create poor visibility conditions due to water droplets on the windshield, puddles on the road and reflections of lights on wet pavement.
To prevent visibility behind the wheel from being compromised on rainy days, Carglass advises following a series of recommendations that are included in the following decalogue and that we should all keep in mind so as not to put road safety at risk.
It is essential that the windshield is in perfect condition and clean. A glass that is dirty on the inside fogs up more easily in the cold and is more difficult to defog. This recommendation extends to the side windows, since these allow us to see through the rearview mirrors.
When you activate the windshield wiper, the blades have the function of removing water and rinsing the glass over the entire surface. If the wipers are not in good condition, they can leave marks and scratch the glass. It is best to replace them every two years with new ones.
When it rains, the windows tend to fog up faster due to the thermal contrast. The most effective method of defogging windows is to use ventilation (directing air to the windshield) with air conditioning, recirculation and heating.
In situations of low visibility it is mandatory to turn on the lights although it is advisable to always have them activated. Lights help us see better and warn other drivers of our presence. You should never use high beams because their reflection on wet asphalt reduces visibility. In extreme cases, we can activate the rear fog lights.
Aquaplaning, a phenomenon that causes the car to lose control as the tire is unable to evacuate water from the road, is one of the biggest dangers we can encounter on the road when it rains. To avoid a situation like this, you have to be aware of puddles and avoid stepping over them.
By leaving more space with the vehicle in front of us, less water will reach us from the car in front. Likewise, we will have more time to react to an unforeseen event.
By paying attention to the lights of the vehicles in front of us, we will know at all times where the road is going and if there are situations that force us to stop.
If, when the time comes, visibility is reduced to such an extent, we must stop, we must choose a safe place to avoid being hit by another vehicle. Until we find that place, in addition to looking ahead, we will look at the closest lines to the left and right, looking for the lines of the road.
Be careful with trucks and buses, as they raise large amounts of water when passing through puddles. We must continue calmly even when one of those large splashes arrives that come by surprise from vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. We have to maintain the trajectory and avoid sudden braking, keeping in mind that this situation of uncertainty will pass in a couple of seconds.
To improve visual acuity, especially for night driving, it is advisable to apply a rain repellent liquid to the windshield. Once we have the windshield clean and dry, we spray the water repellent on a cloth and rub the glass in circles. We can also apply the liquid directly to the glass and then rub it.
