4 minute read
Aquaplaning in a Subaru
By Mark Kaheru, Public Information Officer, RSCE
Patra and I have always had a good time. I get such an adrenaline rush every time we go on a long ride on a smooth road.
Patra is my Subaru Legacy B4 non-turbo but quick…really quick. I feel like a Formula 1 driver whenever we drive out of town. I enjoy the smooth acceleration and ease with which we eat up the miles, passing driver after driver and then when we need to slow down, the deceleration is smoother than butter.
They say Subaru drivers are a menace on the road and I tend to agree but when it comes to Patra, I draw the line.
You see, I take all necessary precautions on the road. I fasten my seatbelt before we take off, I regularly check the brakes and all lights, I adjust the mirrors every day and I try to make sure the tyres are still ok to use. The car is serviced on time and insurance is always up to date. But you cannot tell by looking at it, because the body is deliberately kept shabby to avoid roaming eyes (I was once stopped by a stranger who made me an offer I could refuse for the car).
One thing I always do is to pay attention and adhere to speed limits. These days the fine is Ugx 200,000, so it is best you do the same. And in this country where there are not many speed limit markers, it may be best to drive at 30-40kmph when in town and 70kmph on highways.
But it is not only speed limits you should look out for. There are a couple of signs on the Kampala Entebbe Expressway that give good advice like, slow down on rainy days or steep decline ahead.
The first few months I drove on the Expressway, I wondered why we were being asked to slow down on rainy days and so what if the road has a steep decline ahead? I was sure Patra and I would be fine.
The speed limit is 100kmph so this was a comfortable speed for us at the time. We made good time to Entebbe and back home every day. Then one day it rained.
As I drove at maximum allowed speed along the Nambigirwa Bridge, something strange happened. Patra suddenly started to lose grip and spin, spraying water from under the tires. Instinct took over and I brought the car under control, slowed down and reassessed my life.
I had just experienced my first aquaplaning incident. I now knew what it felt like to be on a hovercraft.
It was a flash moment of pure fright and a boost of adrenaline rush at the same time. I felt like Nikita Mazepin during the 2021 F1 season. But, needless to say, I am too old for this so I will not be trying that again.
Aquaplaning or hydroplaning happens when driving on wet roads at high speed. A wedge of water can build up between the tire and the road surface causing loss of road contact, and the vehicle is no longer responsive to steering.
Just in case you feel like going aquaplaning, here are a few tips that might help:
Reduce your speed, maintain a speed not exceeding 50kmph.
Maintain your tire health by ensuring adequate tread depth and sufficient pressure.
Increase your follow distance, do not get too close to the car in front of you.
Improve your visibility by turning on headlights.
Keep calm, avoid hard braking and sharp turns. Apply brakes gently and do not turn the wheel instead, point it into the direction of desired travel until grip is recovered.
Just so you know, Aquaplaning is also a sport that involves riding a board over a surface of water towed behind a motorboat. Maybe I should try that instead.
