5 Ways on How to be a Courteous Motorist this Rainy Season

Rainy season has officially arrived in the Philippines, which gives us cooler weather. However, this is also the time of the year where storms and sudden downpour happens. As such, here are five ways on how you can be a courteous motorist this rainy season.

1. Give way to pedestrians

We all know how hard it is to commute when it's raining. Walking under the rain is one of the most challenging thing to do. Aside from trying to stay dry as mush as possible, you also need to maintain your balance due to the slippery road. With that in mind, motorists who are driving should give way to pedestrians who are patiently waiting to cross the street safely. Unlike you, they don’t have enough protection from the rain. Giving way to them would be of great help. Moreover, it wouldn’t hurt that much if you stop and let them cross, right?

2. Watch out for puddles of water

One of the dreadful sight for any pedestrian when it's raining is a puddle of water. Other than the hassle of walking through a dirty puddle, pedestrians are also afraid whenever there's a fast car approaching toward the puddle. Get the picture, huh? Reduce your speed when you spot one so that you won’t create a huge splash--pedestrians don’t want to have that kind of shower, believe me.

3. Use your cars indicator lights wisely

Your car’s indicator lights or turn signals are designed to inform other motorists, even pedestrians, on which direction you want to take. Are you going to the left, or right? As such, don’t turn on your car’s hazard lights when you’re driving under heavy rainfall. It’s not a smart thing to do and it confuses other motorists. Your car’s taillights are visible enough when driving under the rain. On the other hand, using your car’s indicator lights wisely will enable pedestrians to know where you want to go.

4. Turn on your car's headlights

It is recommended to turn on your car’s headlights when you’re driving under sudden downpour. This is to increase your car’s visibility, which would be for your own safety and for the good of other motorists. Don’t put in in high-beam as this would lessen your visibility because the light rays from your car's headlights will bounce back to you due to the rain.

5. Inform others

Inform other motorists and pedestrians if the road ahead is flooded. Yes, some may argue that you’re just being bibo or being too much of a good Samaritan when you do this. However, you could prevent accidents by informing others of the hazard ahead. Your fellow motorists can think of a new route upon knowing that road ahead is flooded, while pedestrians can sit out and wait for the rain and the flood to subside rather than approaching it head on.

It's no secret that it's more difficult to get to and from your destination-both motorists and pedestrians-during the rainy season. As such, let's not forget about the little things such as being courteous on the road. Remember to give way to pedestrians and watch out for puddles of water. You should also use your indicator lights wisely, as well as turn on your car’s headlights, and inform others if there’s a hazard ahead.