Here are some tips to drive safely in the rain, courtesy MoI

The past few days have seen Qatar get blessed by abundant rainfalls. While rain is always granted a great welcome, it also brings with it a spate of accidents.

Keeping this in mind, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) has published a set of do’s and dont’s of driving in the rains. Here it is.

* Rainfall creates perfect conditions for vehicles to skid on the road. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down your car. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tyre’s tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.

* It takes about three times longer to brake on wet roads than on dry ones. So it is not wise to tailgate cars as more distance is required to brake safely.

* Keep a little more than two car-lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.

* Motorists should drive their vehicles ‘quietly and smoothly.’ Don’t drive at a speed that does not suit the road’s condition and make sure you reduce speed when the road is wet.

* Ensure that wipers are in good working condition. The windshield and rear window should be cleaned repeatedly in order to view the road properly.

* If the car’s windscreen becomes misty, one should run the air-conditioner to clear it for better visibility.

* Avoid overtaking and unnecessary lane-changing during rainy conditions.

* Drivers should try to avoid moving through waterlogged roads as it is difficult to gauge the depth of water or presence of objects that may endanger the car’s safety.