Exercise caution on wet roads – Police to drivers 

Police are urging motorists to reduce their speed and exercise greater caution on the nation’s roadways during the rainy season, warning that wet surfaces significantly increase the risk of hydroplaning and serious accidents.
The warning was issued during the latest edition of the programme Road Safety and You, where traffic ranks highlighted several dangerous driving practices commonly observed during periods of heavy rainfall.
During the programme, Sergeant Hemerding of Regional Division 4C (East Coast Demerara), who is attached to the Mahaica Police Station Traffic Department, stressed that motorists must reduce their speed whenever roads are wet since tyre traction decreases during rainfall.
He explained that drivers should maintain a greater following distance between vehicles to avoid collisions in the event of sudden braking or swerving.
The programme also focused heavily on the dangers of hydroplaning, a situation where a vehicle’s tyres lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water.
According to the Chairman of the National Road Safety Council, Earl Lambert, in the road safety manual, hydroplaning can begin at speeds of approximately 55 kilometres per hour and becomes increasingly dangerous as speed increases.
“When the hydroplane starts, you lose traction. You cannot brake or accelerate or turn,” he explained while discussing the dangers associated with excessive speed during heavy rainfall.
Motorists were advised that the correct response during hydroplaning is to keep the wheels straight, gradually reduce speed, and avoid slamming on the brakes.
Traffic officers also warned drivers against operating vehicles with bald or badly worn tyres, noting that defective tyres are especially dangerous during rainy conditions because they are unable to properly disperse water from the roadway.
The ranks reminded motorists that tyres should have adequate tread and proper air pressure to ensure safer driving conditions.
Sergeant Hemerding further cautioned drivers against using cruise control during rainy weather, explaining that vehicles can automatically accelerate if traction is lost, potentially causing motorists to lose control.
The programme additionally highlighted several other road safety concerns, including the misuse of high-beam headlights during rainfall, defective tail and brake lights, speeding, driver fatigue, and distracted driving.
Motorists were encouraged to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained before travelling, including checking brakes, headlights, tyres, steering systems, and windscreen visibility. The officers also urged drivers to wear seatbelts properly, noting that the shoulder strap must remain across the chest at all times.