Subscribe
OKINAWA, Japan - Driving conditions can become unfavorable once rain begins falling on Okinawan streets. Proper safety precautions can assist motorists through hazards of driving on slick roads.
“Drivers need to know the roads here [contain] crushed-coral material, and when it rains, they become very slick, especially if driving at high speeds,” said Larry Taylor, a training instructor at Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Installation Safety Office.
There have been more than 1,240 accidents this year, according to the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Provost Marshal’s Office. During the island’s typhoon season, June 1 through Nov. 30, heavy rainfall and flash flooding can occur which will make the roads more slippery.
A flash flood occurs when water rises on the road due to congested drain systems. Hydroplaning could send a vehicle out of control as its tires lose friction and glide over a puddle of water. This occurs when a tire’s tread cannot move the water from underneath the tire fast enough.
Even experienced drivers have faced close calls while driving during inclement weather here due to lack of knowledge of these types of hazards.
“I was driving on the road, and it just started to drizzle, so I didn’t pay [any] mind,” said Sayaka Nagahama, a local Japanese driver with 12 years experience driving on the island. “But, when my car started spinning, I didn’t know what to do. I was so scared. I was lucky my car stopped before it hit anything.”
Bad experiences such as this can be avoided, according to Taylor, if drivers think ahead.
Being Prepared:
Drivers need to begin thinking about safety even before getting on the road. Tires need to be kept properly inflated and replaced when worn out, ultimately maximizing a driver’s ability to stay on the road. Wipers also should be replaced and maintained.
Defrosting and air-conditioning units need to be in good working condition as well, so drivers can see through windows during stormy conditions.
However, once rain begins to fall, drivers need to keep in mind some key points.
1. Slow down:
The most important thing drivers can do to increase safety during rain is to travel at reduced speeds. Driving at slower speeds allows the driver more time to navigate out of skids and slides. More caution should also be used when turning corners.
2. Turn (and keep) headlights on:
Headlights illuminate the darkened conditions around and help other drivers to see oncoming traffic. Drivers should not use high beams; they can reflect from droplets, making it more difficult to see. High beams can potentially blind other drivers.
3. Carefully apply brakes:
Drivers need to brake well ahead of the stop and with reduced force when roads are slick. Hitting the breaks and locking the wheels can quickly put vehicles in a skid. Braking gradually allows those drivers following to notice the brake lights well ahead of your stop. This action gives them more time to slow their own cars.
When braking, the key is don’t slam your foot on the brakes, according to Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Installation Safety Office personnel. Instead, you should take your foot off the pedal, allowing the vehicle to slow down gradually until traction is regained with the road. To come to a complete stop or reduce speed significantly, you can gently apply a pumping motion to the brakes. If your vehicle starts to skid, you should steer in the direction of the skid until you regain control or the vehicle stops.
4. Avoid puddles:
Roads are usually highest in the middle. Rain tends to puddle on either side of the pavement. Drivers should remain near the middle of the road to avoid collected water. Deep puddles can cause water to splash into the engine compartment and damage electrical systems.
Tapping the brakes lightly after the wheels emerge from the water would help keep moisture off brakes.
5. Steer clear of large vehicles:
If possible, try to avoid driving close to trucks, buses and other large vehicles. They have big wheels that spray water everywhere, including on your windshield.
Other Safety Tips:
• Use the three-second rule to maintain driving distance. The three-second rule dictates that it should take a driver three seconds to pass the same fixed point as the preceding vehicle;
• Try to follow in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you;
• Don’t drive beyond limits of visibility;
• Beware of high winds during storms or blinding lightning at night;
• And, don’t drive impaired.
For more information, visit the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler website, http://www.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/default.html under “information,” “driving on Okinawa” to find safety manuals and more tips for drivers.
| Date Taken: | 12.17.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.10.2011 22:42 |
| Story ID: | 63334 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Safe, cautious driving prevents accidents, by MSgt Dengrier Baez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
