Driving Safety Tips for Severe Weather
Community Advisory
With stormy weather conditions seasonally affecting the area, citizens are encouraged to use caution on roadways.When the road is wet, the film of the water on the asphalt causes tires to lose traction. The rain also reduces driver perception and decreases visibility. While most people know to slow down in the rain, here are other tips that can save your life:
- Exercise extreme caution after a long dry spell. During a dry period, engine oil and grease build up on the road over time. When mixed with water from a new rainfall, the road becomes extremely slick.
- Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. Not only does this increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, it also lets the driver behind you know that you're slowing down.
- Avoid crossing flooded areas. If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited. Also, standing water can splash up into your car's engine compartment could damage its internal electrical systems.
- Turn on your headlights, even when there's a light sprinkle. It helps you see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see you.
- Watch out for pedestrians. Keep a sharp lookout for people in the road.
- Pull over and wait it out, if it's raining so hard that you can't see the road or the car in front of you.
- Give a truck or bus extra distance. Their extra-large tires can create enough spray to block your vision completely. Avoid passing one, but if you must pass, do it as quickly as safety allows.
- Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up.
Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
National Weather Service (NWS): http://www.nws.noaa.gov/
April 17, 2009
Posted July 8, 2009 5:02:37 PM CDT
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