Torque talk: Weathering the storm

New Zealand has experienced plenty of adverse weather recently.

With the after effects of Cyclone Gabrielle still fresh in our minds and more cold and wet months almost upon us, here are some tips for how to drive safely if conditions deteriorate.

1. EARLY BIRD – When braking or indicating left or right, start much earlier than you would in dry conditions. This will give those behind you plenty of notice you are slowing down.
2. TWO BECOMES FOUR – Increase the following distance in front of you from two seconds to four as per the road code. Doing this will allow you be more ready for the unexpected.
3. LIGHTS ON – Flick those lights on during wet weather driving. It not only gives you better vision of the road ahead, it also allows others to see you more clearly.
4. AVOID LARGE PUDDLES – It pays to avoid, if possible, large puddles and standing water. Hitting these in your car at speed may lead to loss of traction or skidding.
5. KNOW WHEN TO STOP – If the weather coupled with the road you are driving on becomes too much for you, pull over and wait. Sometimes a brief pause while waiting for the deluge to ease is the safe thing to do.