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The rainy weather this June isn’t all that surprising, given the lingering presence of habagat (southwest monsoon) around this time of the year.
But the thunderstorm on Monday afternoon seemed to catch everyone by surprise. The outrageous and agonizing travel time of motorists and commuters all throughout Metro Manila were prolonged by wet and flooded asphalt that sent our already-jampacked streets to a screeching halt – it’s the road equivalent of water-induced cardiac arrest.
Given that this seemingly endless cycle of misery can only be broken by sound policies and massive infrastructure work (also known as “a miracle and a prayer” in the Philippines), we’ve thought of some ways that you can stay safe and dry the next time that the heavens pour on your travels.
Why leave?
In the perfect world, we should have the right to stay home when torrential downpour is expected, especially since flood prevention seems to be totally incomprehensible to our government.
That’s why we highly suggest that you take the initiative of not going out at all when heavy rain is imminent. But if you get stuck at school or in the office as the outside world turns into a swimming pool, consider staying right where you are – it may not be yours, but any roof is a good roof in the worst of times.
The private sector has also stepped in by turning their high-rise malls and parking areas into pseudo-storm shelters, even waiving parking fees and offering free Internet access. Make sure to follow the social-media pages of your nearest mall to get instant updates during bad weather.
Always remember that going out into the street during heavy rain should be a last resort – no journey is worth risking yourself and your car.
Pack for the weather
If you must be behind the wheel during rainy weather, make sure that your car is well-prepared.
First off, it is absolutely vital that your tires are in good condition – those deep grooves are what will channel all that water away, allowing you to maintain good traction on wet roads. And since the first rule of driving in the wet is to turn on your headlights (not your hazard lights), make sure that all your front and rear lights are properly functioning.
Other important things that you should pack in your car this rainy season include battery jumper cables, a tow rope, a towel, a raincoat, extra clothes, spare footwear and emergency food supplies in case you’re stuck somewhere (it would be utter cruelty to book a Grab delivery, even if the street you’re on has become a parking lot).
Drive smart
While on the move, watch out for extra-shiny surfaces that are tell-tale signs of puddles or slick asphalt.
It’s important that you keep your speed down so that the tires don’t get inundated with water, which is a startling phenomenon known as hydroplaning. And if you feel your car lose grip, keep the steering wheel steady and let off the accelerator, reapplying power when the traction returns (hard braking will make you skid or spin).
Finally, if you encounter a flooded road, your first instinct must be to divert to another route that isn’t flooded. But if you see cars similar to yours passing through without any issue, follow exactly where they drove through, while maintaining no more than 10 km/h in first gear.
Should the weather (and the corresponding traffic) become too much, immediately proceed to the aforementioned places where you and your ride can seek shelter. Staying in a multi-storey parking lot for a few hours may be inconvenient, but it’s a lot cheaper than finding a replacement computer box or engine after turning your car into a submarine.
Remember: Mother Nature gives way to no man or woman.
