Traffic Department cautions drivers during rainy season

The Traffic Department of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is cautioning all drivers to be careful on the road during the rainy season. Sergeant Smyrna Brewley of the Traffic Department said they have not gotten any reports as yet of any accidents in the accident prone areas during the rainy season. However, it is still early and they do anticipate accidents especially in areas such as the Joe’s Hill and Belle Vue Roads.

This year, the hurricane season which began yesterday, June 1, is predicted to be an ‘active to extremely active’ hurricane season with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projecting 14 to 23 Named Storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), 8 to 14 Hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), 3 to 7 could be Major Hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph).

Drivers should be extremely careful when descending steep hills; they should engage the Low gear before ascending or descending steep hills.

Generally, vehicles should not be speeding, more so when it’s raining to reduce to risk of accidents. It is important for vehicles to keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front.

Motorists are cautioned to be alert of falling rocks, mainly on the Ridge Road and the West End Road. Drivers should check their tires and brakes on regular bases to help eliminate the risk of accidents.

Here are some tips and techniques on how to navigate through the rain and to help maintain your safety and the safety of those with you.

Allow for more travel time. You should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet. Keep in mind that traffic is likely to be moving slower as well.

Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. Not only does this increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, it also lets the driver behind you know that you're slowing down. Also, be more meticulous about using turn signals, so that other drivers know your intentions, and take turns and curves with less speed than you would in dry conditions.

Don't use cruise control. If you hydroplane, there's the chance your car could actually accelerate. Cruise control also allows drivers to be less vigilant and to take their foot away from the pedals not a great idea when reaction time is so important.

If you see a large puddle up ahead, drive around it or choose a different route. Water splashing up into your car's engine compartment could damage its internal electrical systems. Also, a pothole may be hiding under the water, just waiting in ambush to damage a wheel or knock your suspension out of alignment. If you can't gauge the depth, or if it's covering up the side curb, try to avoid it.

Don't attempt to cross running water. All-wheel drive isn't going to be much help if your vehicle is being pushed sideways.

After you cross a puddle, tap on your brake pedal lightly to dry off some of the water on your rotors.

Turn on your headlights, even when there's a light sprinkle. It helps you see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see you. However, don't blast your high beams in the rain or fog it'll obscure your view further, as the light will reflect back at you off the water droplets in the air. If your car is equipped with foglights, you may find it helpful to turn these on.

Watch out for pedestrians. Raindrops deaden sound, so the usual audio clues for measuring car distances become obscured.

If it's raining so hard that you can't see the road or the car in front of you, pull over and wait it out.

Track the car ahead of you. Let the car ahead pave a clear path, so to speak, through the water.

Give a truck or bus extra distance. Their extra-large tires can create enough spray to block your vision completely. Avoid passing one, but if you must pass, do it as quickly as safety allows.

Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up. Switch on both front and rear defrosters and make sure the air conditioning is turned on.

If you start to hydroplane, don't brake suddenly or turn the wheel, or you might spin into a skid. Release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction. If you must brake, tap the brake pedal (unless you have antilock brakes, in which case you can put your foot down).

Taking a few precautions and using wet-weather driving techniques will keep you from ending up sopping wet or waiting for a tow truck or worse.