Things to anticipate when driving in the rain
An automotive expert from the Bandung Institute of Technology, Yannes Martinus Pasaribu, has said that rain can increase the risk of traffic accidents by more than 31 percent.
During rain, a driver’s visibility can be shorter and their ability to detect objects can be reduced, meaning their reaction speed will be slower.
“Drivers make decisions based on what they see. Therefore, good visibility is an important part of helping drivers read the situation and make decisions earlier,” Yannes said in a press statement on Sunday.
The ability to see and read changing conditions, as well as to react by maintaining distance, reducing speed, and deciding to stop if necessary, is considered important in efforts to ensure driving safety.
In this regard, the function of windscreen wipers becomes important. Drivers are therefore advised to ensure their windscreen wipers are working properly before setting off.
Wipers that leave water streaks, make noise, move unevenly, or cannot clean the windscreen evenly usually have deteriorated in function and need to be replaced.
In addition to paying attention to the condition of vehicle components, road conditions that usually become more slippery and changes in the driving environment that occur during rain also require drivers to be more alert.
In rainy conditions, drivers are advised to reduce speed, increase the distance from the vehicle in front, switch on lights according to the conditions, and avoid sudden braking or manoeuvres.
If the rain is so heavy that visibility becomes even shorter, drivers are advised to pull over in a safe location for their own safety.
“All three must work together, with synergy between the government, industry, and road users as the key,” he said.
Managing Director of Bosch Indonesia Pirmin Riegger said that his company offers technology solutions for safer mobility.
“We want to ensure that innovation provides real benefits for human life,” he said.
“In mobility, that means delivering technology that helps make journeys safer as well as reliable in various conditions,” he added.