Enjoy summer driving in safety with these handy driving tips

The summer months in Hong Kong might be too hot for certain outdoor activities, such as hiking and team sports, but for drivers, they can be paradise. Hong Kong is blessed with beautiful natural scenery, and much of it can be reached by road. For drivers, summertime means long drives to lesser-known parts of the region, or just more regular trips to visit family members across the city.

As wonderful as summer can be, it also brings hazards posed by the weather. For most people, this might equate to the high temperatures and ensuring you drink enough water during outdoor activities. While this is indeed important, the driver also has to think about hazards posed by typhoons and very heavy rainfall.

So here are some handy tips to keep you safe while driving in adverse weather is imminent in Hong Kong.

It should go without saying that if there is a typhoon about to strike Hong Kong, you shouldn’t drive anywhere at all! Once the Signal 8 has been hoisted by the Hong Kong Observatory, it’s wise to avoid any journey unless it’s for a medical emergency – and even then, you should let the professionals do the driving.

But what about the times when you need to drive back from work during a Signal 3? In those scenarios, you should remember that sudden, very strong gusts are a danger to you and other motorists. So observe the speed limit and drive carefully over tall structures, such as bridges. Strong wind can topple high vehicles, such as lorries and buses, so be extra vigilant if you are in their proximity.

And once you get home, ensure you park your car in an area where it is unlikely to be damaged by flying debris once the typhoon strike. Not doing so could result in costly repairs, as well as pose a risk to other vehicles and even property.

You know it’s summer in Hong Kong when the really heavy rains start. Okay, we know it gets hot too, but regular, often very heavy downpours mean that summer has truly arrived. Sometimes showers can come seemingly without warning and can be very heavy, posing risks to motorists.

And when a Amber, Red or Black Rainstorm warning is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, you know the situation is now very serious. Much like during typhoons, you should avoid driving if possible. However, this isn’t always possible, and our city’s roads are often filled with traffic even during the heaviest of downpours.

In these situations, it is important that drivers pay attention to flooding on road surfaces. If there is flooding, be careful when braking as doing so too hard can cause your vehicle to aquaplane, which means you’ve effectively lost control of the car.

Furthermore, it’s a good idea to get your tyres checked regularly so they are at the correct pressure and have adequate tread to cope with all road conditions. According to the government’s Transport Department, the required minimum depth tread is 1mm throughout at least three quarters of the breadth of the tread.

If you are a real petrolhead and enjoy driving as your hobby, then you’re likely to be out every weekend this summer – come rain or shine! All drivers, regardless of the season, are required to have adequate motor insurance for their vehicle. However, there are many different products on the market today, so choose one that is right for your needs.

MSIG’s comprehensive Private Motor Car Insurance offers round-the-clock protection for your car, including 24-hour emergency roadside assistance and a 24-hour free towing service. What’s more, it also features No Claims Discount (NCD) Protector and Windscreen Damage – Excess Waiver, offering you protection even if you need to make a claim.

But regardless of whether you drive purely for work or whether cars are your passion, stay safe on the roads this summer – and enjoy the ride.

If you have any queries regarding motor insurance plan, please feel free to contact us or find out more about our insurance plans:

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