RAIN CHANGES THE ROAD. CHANGE THE WAY YOU DRIVE, SAYS MALUME JOHN ON VUMA 103FM.

With KwaZulu-Natal under a Level 6 weather warning today due to severe weather conditions, Malume John shares practical advice to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the roads.

Your safety begins before you turn the key.

Many motorists don’t realise that when it starts raining, the oil and grit that have built up on the road surface rise to the top, making tar roads especially slippery during the first part of the rainfall.

Tip 1: Slow down.
There’s no need to rush. Reducing your speed gives you more control and more time to react to unexpected hazards.

Tip 2: Keep a safe following distance.
Wet roads increase stopping distances, so leave a larger gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Your safety also starts with making sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you set off.

Check these three essentials:

1. Make sure your windscreen wipers are in good condition so you have clear visibility.
2. Check that your tyres have sufficient tread and are not worn smooth.
3. Ensure your brakes are working properly.

These three simple checks can make a significant difference when driving in wet weather.

And, as always, Malume John leaves us with a joke:

When does it rain money? See if you can guess the punchline!