Why does it always rain on me?

 06 October 2011

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britains top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week he gives advice on driving in heavy rain.

• Before you set off, set your heater controls rain makes the windows mist up in seconds. You dont want to be fiddling with controls when you should be concentrating on the road
• Slow down. In the rain your stopping distance should be at least doubled. Giving yourself more space helps you to avoid spray, especially when following a large vehicle
• Keep your eyes on the road ahead and plan your driving so that you can brake, accelerate and steer smoothly harsh manoeuvres will unbalance the car
• If you have cruise control, avoid using it on wet roads it may create problems if you start to aquaplane
• See and be seen. Put your lights on as a rule of thumb, whenever you need to use your wipers you should also turn your headlights on, and before overtaking put your wipers on their fastest setting
• Making sure your car is properly maintained will make a difference too. Check your wipers regularly, that your tyres are properly inflated and have enough tread, and that all of your lights work and are clean. By law, you must keep the windscreen washer filled, but remember, to keep your windows clean, you must do the inside as well

Rodger said: "Theres nothing quite like getting to your car in the rain. Its a haven from the elements. But be cautious, especially after prolonged dry spells rain on a dry road is dangerously slippery.

And think about the people on the pavements remember it is illegal to splash pedestrians.

ENDS

 Notes to editors:

1.     Peter Rodger is the IAMs chief examiner

2.     The IAM is the UKs largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

ENDS ALL

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IAM Press Office 020 8996 9777

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