The month of July means the arrival of the rainy season. And with it comes increased awareness and precaution since inclement weather—including flooded roads, traffic, and low visibility—can be dangerous.

The local unit of French oil and gas giant Total prepares 10 important road safety tips to remember for those who have to drive this season:

  1. Check the weather before heading out. The weather may be unpredictable but you should still stay updated with the advisory. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and it’s okay to postpone an appointment because of heavy rains.
  1. Make sure your car is in good condition. There’s no telling what can happen during inclement weather, so it’s advisable to check the condition of your car before venturing out. Make sure your head and tail lights are working, and that the brakes, turn signals, and windshield wipers aren’t faulty. Ensure that tires are well-maintained. Bring an emergency kit that includes a spare tire, jumper cables, a toolkit, flashlight and extra batteries, and reflective triangles.

  1. Always wear your seatbelt. It’s important to wear your seatbelt when driving in good weather, and it’s even more crucial when it’s bad.
  2. Make sure your headlights are on. Visibility is low when it’s raining so make sure that other drivers see you when you’re out on the road.
  3. Go slow. Roads are slick with oil during the rainy season, which means vehicles will have less traction when driving. This is called hydroplaning, and it only takes a slightly wet road and a speed below 50 kilometers per hour for this to happen. Drive slower than you normally would and always make sure you are within, even lower, the speed limit.
  4. Give each driver space. Because of the slippery roads, it’s best to give other drivers more space to avoid collisions. Braking can be more difficult so make sure to have a distance of several car lengths between you and others.
  5. Don’t enter flooded roads. It’s hard to tell how flooded these areas are and it may end up damaging your car. Some cars can float with even just a foot of water.