Driving in the downpour? Be prepared for the worst

Driving in the downpour? Be prepared for the worst

With the monsoons round the corner, motorists are fearing the worstu00a0-- water logging, accident-prone streets, and entrapment in vehicles. However, a few simple precautionary measures can ensure a safe commute

It's that time of the year again, when dented bumpers, crawling traffic and smashed windshields are a common sight on city roads. Yes, the rising humidity levels can only mean one thing: the clouds are brimming with rain, and the monsoons are just a few weeks away. Relentless downpours will soon be inundating the city streets, bringing with them the customary traffic mayhem, and poor traffic visibility, a bane for Mumbai motorists.



Motorists who prefer zipping through the streets must exercise particular caution to avoid skidding on the slippery, rain-drenched roads. "Usually, after the first monsoon showers, roads tend to become slippery due to the mixture of rainwater with accumulated dust and lubricants," said Nandkumar Chougale, deputy commissioner of police, (traffic). "Hence it is important that motorists drive carefully and avoid applying brakes suddenly while driving," he added.

The catastrophic deluge that overwhelmed Mumbai in 2005 has left horrific images deeply etched in the minds of Mumbaikars. With extensive infrastructural and construction work underway in locations across the city, many motorists fear being trapped in waterlogged lanes and traffic snarls. But these fears can easily be put to rest, if a few simple measures of caution are adopted. For instance, traffic experts say that it is best to avoid driving in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Commuters should rather drive the extra half hour to reach their destinations via alternate routes, if necessary. Some of the low-lying areas of the city, which are best avoided during heavy rains, include Hindmata, King's Circle, Kherwadi Junction, Nagpada Junction, Prateeksha Nagar, Milan Subway and Andheri Subway.

Tackle the monsoon mayhem, one step at a time
'Ensure that wipers and car batteries are in proper working condition. Keep spare tyres at hand for emergencies.
'Ensure that car brakes and electrical wiring are in order. Condition the car brakes with lubricants regularly.
'Keep a spare muslin cloth near the steering wheel and wipe off the dampness from the windscreens and rear-view mirrors at regular intervals.
'Remember to service the central locking system of your car. Keep a small hammer handy, so you can break the windscreen of your vehicle, in the event of a failure in the central locking system.
'Supply your car with a fire extinguisher and a First Aid box.
'Keep the fuel tank full at all times.
'Get the car's air-conditioner serviced well before the rains set in.
'Keep track of traffic updates before you venture for your journey. The Mumbai Traffic Control Room provides regular updates to all FM channels.
'Keep a stock of water and snacks in your car, to sustain yourself if you are trapped in traffic jams for hours.
'Visit the Trafficu00a0u00a0 Police website for details regarding emergency parking lots, weather forecasts, route diversion and high tide timings.
'Avoid making frantic and repeated calls to others, as this may jam the entire cellular network.
'Remember that water logging mostly occurs when the high tides coincide with heavy rains, clogging the drainage system.
'Opt for car pools, to save fuel and avoid the hassle of driving to destinations alone, in adverse weather conditions.
'Help others in distress - whenever and wherever possible.

Must-have items in a vehicle:
'A well equipped first-aid kit with bandages, pain relief spray, antiseptic cream, mosquito repellant cream or spray, and anti-allergic and pain relief medicines.
'A hammer to break open the window of the car, in case of an auto-lock failure.
'A thick nylon rope thick, at least 20 metres long. This should be kept in in the boot space of the car.
'Dry and non-perishable food items, ideally in an an air-tight container. Dry fruits are recommended.
'Bottled water, at least two litres, to be refilled every day.
'A fully charged torch, plastic sheets, a spare umbrella, and a working whistle.

For SOS situations
'Try and reach the residence of the nearest acquaintance, instead of attempting to make it home. Minimise travel as much as possible.
'Lower your windowpanes while driving through waterlogged areas.
'Wear seat belts; follow traffic rules and drive at a safe speed.
'Save certain numbers on your phone under the heading of ICE (In Case of Emergency). This is to enable rescuers to contact your near and dear ones in case you are caught in an accident.
'Commuters suffering from diseases for which they are on prescribed medication must keep a stock of their medicines in the vehicle.

Important helplines and websites
Traffic Police Controlu00a0 Room:u00a0 24937746,u00a0 24937755, 24937747, 24939717, 24940303 ext - 100.
Visit the website at www.trafficpolicemumbai.org