NHA Releases Safety Guidelines for Driving in Rain”

Islamabad — With monsoon rains lashing cities across Pakistan, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has issued an urgent safety advisory to motorists.

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), officials highlighted crucial precautions to prevent road accidents during heavy downpours.

ایکواپلاننگ (Aquaplaning) کیا ہے؟ pic.twitter.com/aEd74SCiqf

— National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) (@NHMPofficial) August 24, 2025

The seasonal rains have already led to a surge in traffic mishaps, some tragically claiming lives and others causing severe financial losses.

Authorities are warning that while the weather is beyond control, road safety is not—and drivers can significantly cut risks by adopting simple precautions.

The Hidden Danger: Aquaplaning

According to NHMP, the greatest threat on wet roads is aquaplaning—a phenomenon where a thin film of water forms between a vehicle’s tires and the road surface, causing the tires to lose grip. The result: drivers lose control, often with catastrophic consequences.

The risk increases sharply when:

• Tire tread depth is below 3 mm
• Vehicle speeds are between 55–80 km/h (or higher)
• Even with just 2 mm of standing water, braking distances can double or triple

Officials say aquaplaning is a leading cause of monsoon-related accidents on highways and city roads alike.

Safety First: NHMP’s Golden Rules

To counter the threat, the NHMP has urged drivers to follow two golden rules whenever driving in the rain:

1. Reduce Speed — Always drive slower than usual in wet conditions.
2. Maintain Extra Distance — Keep a larger gap from the vehicle ahead, ensuring enough time to stop safely.

These simple practices, the authority stressed, could mean the difference between life and death on rain-soaked highways.

As monsoon showers continue to sweep across Pakistan, the NHMP is calling on the public to prioritize safety over speed. By exercising caution and respecting weather conditions, drivers can protect not only themselves but also others sharing the road this rainy season.