Exercise caution

Laranzo Dacres, Gleaner Writer

With the prediction of more rains this weekend, Road Safety Unit director Kenute Hare is advising drivers to exercise caution.

"Over the past few weeks, Jamaica has experienced high levels of rainfall. This, therefore, requires all road users to be extremely cautious as they operate within the traffic environment," he said.

The safety expert said it is prudent to listen for weather updates on the vehicle's radio and obey instructions given by various agencies.

Hare said wet roads cause driving limitations.

"Wet roads increase the propensity for hydroplaning," he said.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when tyres glide or float on a film of water and results in a temporary loss of steering or braking control.

Hare said water as low as two millimetres in depth can trigger this effect.

"There is no manoeuvre that can correct this type of behaviour within the traffic environment. Braking or steering won't help. What we have to do is take our foot off the gas and allow the vehicle to automatically slow itself down," he said.

Stephen Shaw, communication manager at the National Works Agency, advised persons not to traverse flooded roadways.

"You cannot tell what is underneath the water and you cannot say whether or not the current is appropriate for you to be driving there," he said. "You might very well find yourself being washed away in some areas."

"Be careful when you are travelling along corridors that are highly susceptible to landslides and falling rocks," he added.

Shaw said due to the geological makeup of some areas, the earth moves, so within an hour you may find a landslide blocking roadways.

He also encouraged road users to look out for rising waters.

"If you don't have to venture out on the roads, don't," he said.