Driving safely in the hills this monsoon

Sidharth Shukla
Driving in the mountains during the monsoon season can be a thrilling experience. It is truly one of nature’s great symphonies, and this is what compels and attracts many of us to head for holidays across hill states and UTs.
While it is generally advised to not travel to the hills during the monsoon season, it is at the end a personal choice. So, if you are planning a drive this season, keep in mind a few things which will go a long way in not only keeping you safe, but allow you to have the best possible experience.
HOMEWORK AND PREPARATION
Weather checks: Once the destination is decided, stay up to date with alerts issued by the IMD for that duration. States also issue their own alerts. Closer to departure, try and check with locals — mountain weather is unpredictable and those on the ground might be able to give you a more accurate picture.
Vehicle maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, with special focus on lights, wipers, brakes and tyres. Also, ensure that your AC is working properly and there is enough coolant, engine oil, etc. One can get stuck in long jams for a host of reasons. The weather lower down might be hot and humid, hence requiring the AC to be used and since the vehicle will be loaded and climbing, it can overheat.
Tyre puncture kit: It’s a great saviour of time and effort. During the monsoons, it is not uncommon to find rocks and branches on the road and these can at times cut your tyres. There may or may not be a shop nearby, but with a puncture kit and an inflator, you can be on your way quickly.
Route planning: Most of us these days rely on map services a lot, especially if going to a new destination or do not have that much experience. Do the homework and have a secondary route in place in the event of road closure for any reason.
THE DRIVE
Do not drive at night: Many prefer driving at night as it allows them to spot vehicles coming their way faster, but this is not safe. The ability to spot debris on the road and other obstructions is greatly reduced. Additionally, there will be fewer number of local drivers who may be able to warn of potential hazards.
Know your car: It is prudent to know and keep within the limitations of your vehicle. A sedan will behave differently than an SUV, as a 4x2 will against a 4x4. Monsoons in the mountains is not the time to test or experiment in this regard.
Route change: If you have to do a route change, then do not rely completely on your map app alone — speak to some locals. In the hills, there are strong chances that district or rural roads will pose more risks, hence consult before changing.
Go slow and maintain distance: Mountain roads can be slippery owing not only to rain, but also at times the mud which flows onto the road. This increases the chances of slipping and, more importantly, reduces braking distance — this also applies to the car in front, the driver of which might have to brake extremely hard for obstructions. This cannot be avoided and hence it is better to maintain that extra distance.
Take a break: If weather conditions deteriorate and there is a reduction in visibility, there is no compulsion to keep driving. Find a shop, a wide curve and stop for a while. Weather in the mountains can clear equally as fast. Remember to keep your hazard lights on depending on the situation.
Mature use of headlights, horn, fog lights: Use as required to help you in your driving and visibility, but be considerate to others as well. Don’t drive on high beam and honk unnecessarily to distract anyone in such conditions.
Stay in your lane, ensure it is your lane: With all the ongoing construction of new roads, it is easy to sometimes get confused about which lane is yours. You might feel that the entire road on your side of the divider is for you, but it might not be; the traffic might have got merged up ahead — typically, signboards are put up to warn but sometimes they are broken, bent, or one might miss spotting them.
Flooded spots or debris: Do not keep driving. Park your car safely and then assess the exact situation. If you are still not sure, let a few other cars pass and see how they tackled it, or ask a local.
Random stops: If you feel the urge to stop some place suddenly to take photos or admire the landscape, kill that urge initially. Assess where you are on the road, where is the safest spot to park and only then get out. If, after doing this, you find yourself essentially standing on the road itself, it is not a safe place to be.
Driving in the mountains during the monsoon season demands increased vigilance, and adaptability. But, with just a little bit of preparation and sensible driving, you can have an experience to talk of for years.
Enjoy the ride!