Driving tips during rainy weather

As people go on vacation during the holidays, motorists are advised to be extra cautious when driving on slippery roads caused by rainy weather.

Road safety expert Tanie Ortigueras warned that occasional rains could pose more danger to drivers when compared to full heavy downpours.

“Kung tawagin sa Tagalog ay tikatik…mas delikado ‘yun kaysa doon sa totally buhos…Mas madulas ‘yun,” said Ortigueras in Joseph Morong’s report in 24 Oras on Wednesday.

(We call it in Tagalog as tikatik…it’s more dangerous as compared to the total downpour…It’s more slippery.)

So how to drive safely during wet weather? 

• Be careful of “hydroplaning”
  Drivers should be aware of hydroplaning or when the wheels lose contact with the road, causing the vehicle to glide on the wet pavement. 
   
• Watch your speed and follow the speed limits
  When driving on a slippery road, do not increase your speed.
  
  “Ang pinaka-manageable diyan is 60 [kph] especially when you are in the expressway. Ayun yung pinaka-safe kasi mas madali kang magre-react kung whatever hazard mayroon sa daan,” said Ortigueras. 
  
  (The most manageable speed is 60 kph, especially when you are in the expressway. It’s also the safest because you can easily react to whatever hazard you will encounter on the road.) 
   
• Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front
  
  Your distance from the vehicle in front of you should be equivalent to at least a car's length away. 
  
  “At least one car difference talaga yung range natin. Kapag medyo naka-dikit ka, ang tendency noon…the reaction will be different,” said Ortigueras. 
  
  (Our distance from the other car should be at least one car’s length. If you are slightly close to the other vehicle, the reaction will be different.) 

The Land Transportation Office also has tips to stay safe on the road in rainy conditions: 

• Avoid sudden braking
• Be alert of water patches
• Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator to slow down if you feel your wheels are already losing grip

Based on the data gathered by GMA Integrated News Research, figures from the Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group showed that there were 25,143 road crash incidents recorded from January to September 2024. This is a 39.13% increase from the 18,071 incidents logged in the same period last year.
—Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News