The monsoon season is known to be notorious for an increase in the number of accidents, owing to slick streets and lowered visibility. Here are a few tips to stay safe.
Check your vehicles
Check and service your vehicles before the monsoon begins, to make sure there are no surprises to be had. Concerns with a tyre's treads should be immediately addressed, as skidding on wet streets is a common occurrence.
Check the engine light and get your vehicle serviced before the first rains. Engine malfunction tends to happen more during this season, as water gets into places it shouldn't. Leading to longer times for the vehicle to start up, and warm up.
Ride and drive safely
It's easy to forget that the roads may be wet, and revert into the kind of riding or driving you usually do. Wet roads demand respect, and you don't want to pay the price of a lapse in judgment.
Also be more careful when you have someone riding pillion. Braking on wet roads becomes a challenge for two-wheelers, and pillion riders tend to lose balance when braking hard; this may cause the two-wheeler to skid and fall.
Watch for muddy roads and beware of potholes. If you're on an unfamiliar road and see what seems to you a shallow pothole, there's a good likelihood that it could be deeper than you think. This can cause damage, or worse, to your vehicle, so it's best to ride or drive around potholes.
Wear a helmet / Wear your seatbelt
A helmet is a must in any weather, but even more this season, if you're riding a two-wheeler. Protecting your head should be on top of your list of priorities.
If you own a helmet with a visor, it's advisable to switch to a half helmet (colloquially also known as a 'brain bucket'). The half helmet is better than taking off the visor of a full helmet, or not wearing your helmet at all.
If you're driving a four-wheeler, keep your seatbelt on, and encourage your fellow companions to wear theirs as well.
Be more mindful
Watch out for pedestrians! They're a menace in regular weather, but with the rains you can end up compounding the chance of hitting someone.
Also, if in a car, beware of a foggy windscreen. Visibility is most important, especially when driving at night in the rains.
Avoid overtaking someone from the left. It's very likely that their mirrors could be wet or fogged, drastically reducing their visibility of who's behind them. They may not see you coming, and this could result in an accident if they suddenly swerve in your path while you try to overtake.
These are some of the things to keep in mind while driving or riding in the monsoon and also don't forget to carry your car insurance and two wheeler insurance when you are driving/riding on the roads. Stay safe!
