- Authorities have urged motorists to avoid driving during heavy rain but if it is unavoidable, motorists have been asked to exercise extra caution.
- Drivers are advised to try and avoid standing water if they can.
Image: JOHN CHESOLI
Heavy rains pounding most parts of the country have created potentially dangerous conditions for road users.
Authorities have urged motorists to avoid driving during heavy rain but if it is unavoidable, motorists have been asked to exercise extra caution.
When it pours heavily, one's vision may be hindered and as a result increases the chances of an accident. Motorists are also urged to avoid driving over bridges or in moving water.
Automobile Association (AA), says drivers should turn the headlights on during heavy rains.
AA cites the Highway Code which says headlights must be used when visibility is seriously reduced (less than 100 metres).
“Use fog lights if you like, but switch them off when visibility improves,” AA says.
AA is an independent motoring association in Kenya with over 100,000 members and branch offices in all major towns countrywide.
Internationally, AA is affiliated with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) which represents over 100 million motorists worldwide.
The association further advices drivers to leave twice as much space between them and the car in front since it takes longer to stop in the wet.
“If your steering feels light due to aquaplaning, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually,” AA says.
If further advices that if you break down, do not prop the bonnet open while you wait as rain-soaked electrics can make it harder to start the engine.
AA also advices motorists to be extra vigilant when driving in floods and standing water.
“If you hear there's flooding on the way, try to move your car to higher ground to stop it from getting damaged. Water plays havoc with vehicle electrics and could cause a number of issues like your airbag suddenly deploying for no reason,” notes AA.
Drivers are further advised to try and avoid standing water if they can.
“Don't drive into flood water that’s moving or more than 10 cm (4 inches) deep. Let approaching cars pass first.”
Motorists are also advised to drive slowly and steadily so they don’t make a bow wave.
“Test your brakes as soon as you can. Fast-moving water is very powerful – take care or your car could be swept away,” AA says.
“If you do get stuck in flood water, it's usually best to wait in the car and call for help rather than try to get out.”
The Kenya Red Cross advises drivers to avoid driving over flooded bridges.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) says motorists need to be extra vigilant, patient and cognisant of other vulnerable road users such as pedestrians.
“If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think,” NTSA says.
NTSA points out that pedestrians are vulnerable as most tend to look down when walking in the rain and may not be aware of an oncoming vehicle.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to wear bright clothing or reflector jackets to increase visibility.