Driving in the rain
Published:Sunday | June 27, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Laranzo Dacres, Gleaner Writer
When it rains, driving becomes difficult and traversing flood-prone areas could become a dangerous situation. Kenute Hare, director of the Road Safety Unit, said during hurricane and rainy seasons motorists should listen to weather updates.
"It's very important motorists listen carefully to the radio updates from agencies such as ODPEM and yield to the messages during the hurricane season," Hare said. "It's extremely important they adhere to the messages," he stressed.
He said fords and gullies should be avoided during rains.
"Areas such as the Bog Walk gorge, Cassia Park ford, Queensborough ford, and the gully in Charlton, St Andrew, should be avoided. If it is raining heavily and the gullies are flooded. Do not test the waters, you should always take another route."
Hare said tyre condition is important during the wet season.
"Tyres worn beyond 1.66 mm should be replaced for vehicles and at 0.8 mm for motorbikes," he said.
Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis, Jamaica Constabulary Force traffic head, said drivers should do a vehicle check and replace old parts.
"Old parts normally cannot handle the water during the rainy season, so it would be helpful if faulty tyres, braking system, spark plugs and light systems are replaced," Lewis said.
In the event a vehicle should stall in flood waters, Lewis advised motorists should get to higher ground and call the police for assistance. Loved ones should also be contacted.
"If you remain in the vehicle, you open up yourself to be robbed, getting injured by being trapped or drowning if it is swept away," he said.
Mehanic Rohan Thorpe said motorists should drive slowly through the water while maintaining a constant rev. However, if water starts to get deeper, his advise is to turn back.
The mechanic gave some advice as to how to negotiate high waters.
"Put your vehicle in neutral, ensure the hand brake is pulled up. Hold the rev to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe, until you're ready to move," Thorpe said.
"This is good if you are in traffic. It prevents water from getting into the exhaust and shutting down the vehicle," he added.
Superintendent Lewis said motorists could enquire as to the condition of roads from other motorists.
"If you are in a position to ask oncoming motorists about how the road is up ahead, do so. It could well save your life," Lewis said.