Driving and operating 149
A lot of water can build up under your
tyres, so that they can actually ride on
the water. This is a very dangerous
situation. This can occur when the
road is wet enough and you are
driving fast enough. When your
vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or
no contact with the road.
You may not notice hydroplaning and
even drive for some time without
noticing that your tyres are not
contacting the lane constantly. Maybe
you notice hydroplaning when you try
to slow down, take a curve, change
lanes to pass one vehicle or when you
are hit by a gust of wind.
It can happen when your tyres do not
have much tread or if the pressure in
one or more of the tyres is low. It can
happen when a lot of water is
standing on the road. If you can see
reflections from trees, telephone
poles or other vehicles, and raindrops
dimple the water’s surface, there
could be hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at
higher speeds.
A hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning does not exist. The best
advice is to slow down when it is
raining - and to be alert.
Driving at night
While driving at night, the driver must:
■ Drive defensively.
■ Do not drink and drive.
■ Slow down and allow higher
distance between your vehicle and
other drivers.
■ In remote areas, watch for animals.
■ If you are tired, pull over in a safe
place and rest.
■ Keep the windshield and all glass
clean – inside and outside. Glare at
night is made much worse by dirt on
the glass. Even the inside of the
glass can build up a film caused by
dust. Cigarette smoke blurs the
windows inside thus making vision
difficult.
■ Keep in mind that headlights light
up far less of a roadway when you
are in a curve.
Hill and mountain roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is
different from driving in flat or rolling
terrain. If you drive regularly in steep
country, or if you are planning to visit
this kind of territory, some care will be
necessary.
Here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable
■ Keep your vehicle in good shape.
Check all fluid levels and also the
brakes, tyres and cooling system.
■ Know how to go down hills. Do not
rely on the brakes only. Also let the
engine do some of the slowing
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