The longing for rain has always been a part of Israeli culture, which is increasing with climate change. From a young age, we wait for the first drops of rain to wash the streets, but during the first rain that everyone longs for, the roads become more dangerous than usual. Why is that? How can you prepare for it? And what does all this have to do with “driving distractions”?
It catches everyone off guard.
What makes the first rain exceptionally dangerous? The main reason is related to the fact that throughout the long dry months, the roads throughout Israel accumulate a layer of dust and dirt. When the first rain meets this layer, the streets become incredibly slippery. Later, the rain will wash away this layer, and the wheels’ grip will improve, but when the first raindrops touch the asphalt, the risk of slipping is higher than usual.
Add the fact that during the summer, drains get clogged, and the first rain becomes the first test for infrastructures that have not been checked for many months, you can understand why the first rain, even when it is relatively mild, leaves many roads in a bad condition.
It is not only the infrastructure, and the authorities caught off guard. Most cars and drivers aren’t prepared for the rain either; the car’s wipers are not in usable condition, and the tires are worn out from a long summer to provide an optimal response in winter conditions.
The response time is shortened.
The scarcity of rainy days in Israel has resulted in the fact that most drivers in Israel (certainly the young ones prone to mistakes) have no experience driving in the rain. One of the things rain does is shorten the driver’s reaction time. The rain affects the driver’s reaction time in two ways; during rain, visibility is reduced, and general quality decreases; and on a smooth road, braking time is longer.
Cellular distractions are the most common cause of loss of concentration and focus on the road, so the combination of prohibited cell phone use and the first rain may prove to be lethal. When you combine several risk factors, the chance that something terrible will happen increases.
Prepare for the first rain and avoid distractions.
Since the transition between summer and autumn in Israel is unnoticeable, it is most probable to be caught off guard. In calendar terms, autumn is in full swing, and the first rain is likely coming.
Below are tips that should be adopted this season and every year in the future; as a general rule, when September comes, it is recommended to check the condition of the wipers, brakes, tires, and lights. This an excellent opportunity to mention that as of November 1, the NRSA and the Garage Authority allow you to inspect a car, motorcycle, and scooter, free of charge, at the authorized garages closest to you. (Full details in the link)
When driving in the rain, it is recommended to take your foot off the gas a little and make sure that you have visibility. In the past, the recommendation was to avoid sharp braking on a wet road in the rain and instead do a series of short brakes. But today, almost every car is equipped with ABS that takes control during braking, so you can avoid what will only prolong the braking time and distance.
The most important rule to adopt while driving in the rain is to stay focused and alert. We have already mentioned cell phone distractions as a factor that impairs concentration and is a danger, especially on a wet road. This is where our unique SaverOne system comes into play, a system that aims to prevent cell phone distractions while driving.
The SaverOne system does a simple but intelligent thing and saves lives – it prevents access to prohibited and dangerous mobile applications. It thus creates a clear space around the driver that leaves the mobile distractions out of the game. This is true and essential in all seasons, weather, and road condition.
Drive carefully and be safe.
