When the road looks calm, but danger is quietly waiting beneath the water.
The rainy season always arrives the same way—soft at first, almost poetic. Raindrops tap the windshield like a familiar song. The road glistens, reflecting streetlights and passing hopes. Yet beneath that calm surface, something dangerous often hides.
Standing water during the rainy season creates potholes on many roads. What looks like a harmless puddle can suddenly become a deep cavity, waiting for the next tire, the next rider, the next moment of carelessness. Every year, countless vehicles fall victim to damaged roads. Car tires burst without warning. Motorcycle riders lose balance in seconds. And sometimes, the consequences are far more serious than a flat tire.
Road safety practitioner Erreza Hardian, a member of the Driving Policy and Advocacy Directorate of the Indonesian Motorcycle Association (IMI), reminds us of a simple truth: the road does not forgive mistakes—especially in the rain.
In moments like these, safety is not just about skill. It is about preparation, awareness, and knowing when to rely on professional services rather than chance.
First of All, Why the Safest Choice Is Sometimes Not Driving at All
There is wisdom in knowing when to stop.
According to Erreza Hardian, the most ideal way to stay safe during the rainy season—especially when roads are damaged—is to reduce mobility. If travel is not urgent, staying off the road is the most effective way to eliminate risk entirely.
“Try to stay off the road during these conditions and reduce mobility if possible,” Reza explained. “That’s the most effective way to reduce risk. Alternatively, use public transportation as a second option.”
This advice may sound simple, but it carries weight. Using public transportation, professional ride services, or scheduled shuttle services not only reduces personal risk but also protects your vehicle from unnecessary damage. A single pothole can cost more than a day’s income when tires, rims, and suspension systems fail.
From a practical perspective, relying on trusted transport services during the rainy season is not a weakness—it is a smart decision. You save on repair costs, avoid unexpected breakdowns, and arrive safely without stress.
And when you do need to drive, that decision must come with responsibility.
However, If You Must Drive, Slow Down and Read the Road Carefully
Rain demands patience.
When damaged roads cannot be avoided, Reza emphasizes one crucial habit: reduce speed. Speed limits are not suggestions; during rain, they are survival tools.
Slowing down allows drivers to see, think, and act.
“Look at the movements of two or three cars in front of you,” Reza said. “If they’re wobbling, it means there’s a puddle. And if there’s a puddle, there’s very likely a hole.”
This is where experience meets awareness. Observing traffic behavior becomes an early warning system. A sudden dip, a spray of water, or an unstable vehicle ahead often signals danger.
At this point, having your vehicle regularly checked by a professional tire and suspension service makes a real difference. Proper alignment, shock absorber condition, and braking response are critical when reacting to sudden obstacles.
Rain does not give second chances. Preparation does.
Next, Understand Your Tires Before the Road Tests Them
Tires are more than rubber—they are your first line of defense.
Many drivers never pay attention to tire type or pressure until something goes wrong. Reza warns that this is a costly mistake, especially during the rainy season.
If your vehicle uses radial tires (marked with the code R), correct tire pressure is non-negotiable. Radial tires have thinner sidewalls, making them more vulnerable to impact damage when pressure is incorrect.
The manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure can be found:
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In the owner’s manual
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On the driver-side door panel
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On motorcycles, near the center body area
Pressure also varies depending on load. Too low, and the tire bends excessively when hitting uneven surfaces. Too high, and it loses flexibility.
“Tires also serve a suspension function,” Reza explained. “If the pressure is too low, they can fold when the road is uneven, which can lead to blowouts.”
This is why routine checks at certified tire service centers matter. Professionals use calibrated gauges, inspect sidewalls, and detect early damage you might never notice.
Investing in regular tire inspection services is far cheaper than replacing burst tires—or worse, dealing with an accident.
Meanwhile, Why Poor Tire Pressure Can Destroy More Than Tires
A damaged road does not only attack your tires—it targets your entire vehicle.
Low tire pressure reduces suspension effectiveness. When combined with speed, the force transferred to rims and suspension components increases dramatically. Over time, this leads to bent rims, damaged shock absorbers, and unstable handling.
Reza also warns about long trips with stop-and-go traffic. Heat builds up inside under-inflated tires, increasing the risk of sudden bursts.
If your rims are not standard or already weakened, the damage multiplies.
This is why many experienced drivers rely on full vehicle inspection services before and during the rainy season. A professional check ensures:
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Proper tire pressure
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Healthy suspension response
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Safe rim condition
Peace of mind is not something you feel—it’s something you prepare for.
Finally, For Motorcyclists, Skill Upgrading Is Not Optional
For motorcyclists, the challenge is even greater.
Reza admits that handling potholes on motorcycles is extremely difficult. The solution lies in skill upgrading—learning techniques specific to each motorcycle type.
Key riding techniques include:
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Avoid gripping handlebars too tightly
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Allow slight sway to absorb impact naturally
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Stand slightly on the footrests (when safe) to use legs as secondary shock absorbers
“A loose grip allows the motorcycle to move without transferring all the force to your upper body,” Reza explained.
Beyond technique, motorcyclists benefit greatly from professional riding courses, safety training, and routine motorcycle service checks. These services don’t just improve skill—they save lives.
In the End, Safety Is a Choice You Make Before the Rain Falls
The rainy season will always come. Potholes will always form. Roads will break before they are repaired.
But accidents are not inevitable.
By reducing unnecessary travel, choosing professional transport services, maintaining proper tire pressure, and investing in expert vehicle inspections or riding training, you turn risk into control.
Like a quiet lesson in a Tere Liye story, the message is simple yet deep:
The road respects those who respect preparation.
If you value your safety, your vehicle, and your peace of mind—now is the time to use professional automotive and road safety services before the rain decides for you.