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 Celsius 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 umbrellas 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 crossing 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:
Choose the Right Vehicle
Look for rental car deals so that you can save some extra cash and rent a sturdy car that can handle rough weather. SUVs 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 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.
Turn On Your Lights
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
Your rental car may slip and slide, so make sure you have ample control of the vehicle at all times.
Stay Alert and Pay Attention
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.
If the weather is extremely dangerous, it’s better to postpone your trip and wait for conditions to improve. No appointment or destination is worth risking your life in severe storms.
Find the best deals on rental cars and hit the road safely.