As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing road safety and protecting lives and property, the General Directorate of Traffic has reiterated its warnings to drivers to exercise extreme caution during rainfall. These directives come in light of the unstable weather conditions affecting several regions, necessitating strict adherence to safe driving practices to avoid skidding and accidents.
The administration explained, via its official account on the "X" platform, that there are five common mistakes some drivers make that significantly increase the likelihood of accidents during rainy weather. It stressed the importance of completely avoiding these behaviors, which are:
- Weaving between vehicles: where sudden changes in lanes lead to loss of vehicle control due to road viscosity.
- Not leaving enough safe distance: Wet roads require a longer braking distance compared to dry roads for safe stopping.
- Driving at high speed: Excessive speed causes tires to lose traction with the road surface, leading to the phenomenon of "vehicle skidding".
- Driving through puddles: This can cause engine failure or conceal deep potholes that may cause serious damage to the vehicle.
- Crossing valleys and ravines: This is the most dangerous action that could cost the driver and his companions their lives due to the force of the torrential floods.
The importance of defensive driving in rainy weather
These warnings are of paramount importance due to the physical changes that occur on roads during rainfall. Water acts as a barrier between the car tires and the asphalt, reducing friction and making vehicle control difficult, especially when cornering or braking suddenly. Traffic statistics, both globally and locally, indicate a rise in accident rates during the first hours of rainfall, as water mixes with dirt and oil on the road to create an extremely slippery surface.
Legal and social responsibility
In addition to the physical risks, authorities have emphasized that attempting to cross wadis during flash floods is not only reckless but also a serious traffic violation punishable by law, given the strain it places on rescue and civil defense teams and the danger it poses to the lives of others. The General Directorate of Traffic urges everyone to regularly monitor weather reports, postpone unnecessary trips during severe weather, and ensure that windshield wipers, tires, and vehicle lights are in good working order before setting off, to guarantee everyone's safe arrival at their destinations.
