7.3 Rain, Floods, Night Driving, Tire Failure, and Mountain Roads

7.3 Rain, Floods, Night Driving, Tire Failure, and Mountain Roads

Adverse-condition driving is about preserving traction, visibility, and an escape path. Fixed numbers cannot replace observation because tire condition, load, road surface, water depth, gradient, and available light vary.

Rain and slippery pavement

The first rain after a dry period can lift oil and dust onto the surface. Reduce speed smoothly, increase following distance, switch on the required lights, and avoid abrupt braking, steering, or acceleration. Painted markings, metal covers, and bridge joints can be especially slippery for motorcycles.

Use the windshield wipers and demister before vision deteriorates. If rain becomes so heavy that the driver cannot see a safe stopping distance, move to a lawful safe place away from traffic rather than stopping in the travel lane. Hazard lights do not create visibility sufficient to continue at an unsafe speed.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on water and lose effective road contact. Warning signs include light steering, wheel spin, and reduced response. Ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel steady, and avoid sudden braking or a large steering input. Allow the tires to regain contact, then slow further.

Prevention matters: use serviceable tires at the manufacturer’s pressure, reduce speed before standing water, and avoid deep wheel ruts. Cruise control can complicate speed response on a very wet road; maintain direct control when conditions are poor.

Floodwater

Do not enter when depth, current, road edge, hidden damage, electrical hazard, or a clear exit cannot be established. Even shallow moving water can move a vehicle, and floodwater can hide an open drain or washed-out pavement. Turn around and use a safer route whenever possible.

If official direction and a reliable assessment show that a shallow crossing is suitable for the vehicle, proceed slowly and steadily without creating a bow wave, leave space from the vehicle ahead, and avoid stopping in the water. Afterward, test the brakes gently at low speed in a safe area. If braking, steering, warning lights, or engine operation is abnormal, stop and obtain inspection.

Never open a hot radiator cap after overheating. Pressurized coolant can cause severe burns. Stop safely, switch off as appropriate, allow cooling, and seek assistance.

Night driving and glare

RA 4136 requires headlights during the stated nighttime period and whenever weather requires them. It also requires a device for varying intensity and directs the driver to dim or tilt the beams downward on well-lighted streets in cities, municipalities, and thickly populated districts, and whenever meeting another vehicle on a public highway.

The statute does not prescribe the commonly repeated “150 metres for oncoming and 60 metres when following” formula. Dim early enough to avoid glare and follow any current sign or equipment rule. When another driver’s lights dazzle you, reduce speed, look toward the right road edge as a guide, and avoid retaliatory high beams.

Drive slowly enough to stop within the useful illuminated distance. Clean the windshield and lamps; dirty glass scatters light and magnifies glare. Use high beams only when lawful and when they will not impair another road user.

Tire failure

For a blowout, hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and avoid slamming the brake. Keep the vehicle on a stable path while speed falls, then signal and move out of traffic. Stop on the safest available firm area and call for help if changing the tire would expose you to traffic.

Descents and mountain curves

Select a lower gear before a long descent so engine resistance helps control speed. Apply brakes in a controlled manner rather than riding them continuously until they overheat. Slow before a curve, stay in the proper lane, and expect an unseen vehicle or obstruction beyond the bend.

Coasting downhill in neutral is unsafe because it removes useful engine braking and can reduce control. However, do not cite “RA 4136 section 53” for a freewheeling prohibition: section 53 of that statute concerns driving under the influence. The correct exam reasoning is vehicle control, braking, posted controls, and the general reckless-driving rule.

Across every hazard, use the same cycle: see it early, reduce speed before it, create space, use smooth inputs, and stop safely when the conditions exceed the vehicle or driver’s capability.

Hazard response table