Apr 10, 2009

Wet Weather Tips Revealed

Spring is a time of melting snow and heavy rain in many areas of the country, and this spring we seem to be especially hard-hit by inclement weather. The very real potential for rising floodwaters can pose safety risks to motorists and significant damage to vehicles. During recent years, floods have caused billions of dollars in damage and taken many lives.

The following are some tips from AAA that we hope will help you stay safe on the roadway:

•    Before a flood, move vehicles to a safe area away from floodwaters.

•    Monitor weather and road conditions and follow advice from the authorities before you get in your car, and continue to monitor them once under way.

•    Slow down or even pull safely off the pavement when visibility and road conditions are impaired.

•    Allow plenty of time to stop and brake gently in order to avoid hydroplaning.

•    Anticipate danger, including water on the roadway, hidden lane markings, stalled cars and road obstructions. Poor visibility caused by inclement weather can, of course, mask these dangerous conditions.

•    Never use cruise control in wet driving conditions.

In addition to those AAA-approved tips, here are a few others that could keep you safe:

•    Never attempt to drive a car that is filled with water and has fish swimming in it.

•    If while driving you are passed by a canoe, pull over to the roadside and reconsider your next move.

•    Beware of icebergs, which can puncture your vehicle and allow it to take in water. That is especially true if you are driving a Titanic.

•    If it’s raining a lot, wear a hat.

•    Motorists driving in inclement weather should keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including a cell phone, tools and flashlight, jumper cables, paper towels, window-washing fluid, shovel, blankets, food, a “good” romance novel, life jacket and inflatable raft. Vehicles should be well-maintained, with good tires.
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