b"WET WEATHER DRIVINGAs we have covered all seasons in our previous issues, we willleaf-coveredroadsandreduceddaylightrequireextra now be shifting to more specic weather types and how theycaution. can impact driving.For this issue we will be focusing on the impact of rain, how Autumn'svibrantcoloursandcrispaircomewithuniqueit can aect your driving and how you can take the necessary driving challenges, especially with increased rainfall. Wet,measures to ensure your and others' safety. Key Wet Weather driving hazards to be aware ofSeeandbeseendonotCheck that tyres, brakes, leave it too late to turn yourwipers, heater, and lights on. demisters are all in working order. Use the demister and windscreen wipers to clearLook out for animals your windows of frost or icecrossing the road, especially before setting out on afoxes during the night journey.Here are some key tips from the UK national highways authorities for driving in rainy conditions: Use Windscreen Wipers and Defoggers:SlowDown: Raincansignicantlyreduce Keep your windscreen clear by using wipersvisibility and tyre traction, increasing stopping and defoggers e\x0cectively. Visibility is crucialdistances. It is advised to slow down and drive in rainy conditions, and a clear windscreen canbelowthespeedlimitifconditionsarepoor. signicantly reduce the risk of accidents. Even a light drizzle can make roads slippery.Beware of Hydroplaning: UseDippedHeadlights:Inheavyrain, If you feel your vehicle starting to hydroplanealwaysusedippedheadlightstoimprove (where tyres lose contact with the road and ridevisibility and make your vehicle more visible to on a layer of water), ease o\x0c the accelerator,others.Avoidusinghighbeamsastheycan avoid sudden braking, and steer straight until you regain control.reect o\x0c the rain and reduce visibility further.MaintainaSafeDistance: IncreasetheCheck Tyre Condition:Ensure your tyres gap between your vehicle and the one in front.haveadequatetreaddepthandareproperly This extra space allows more time to react andinated.Goodtyresareessentialfor stop safely if needed. maintaining a grip on wet surfaces. In wet weather it can take almost four times the distance to stop in an emergency 26 .The Networker Autumn 2024"