Heavy, steady rain has drenched Virginia over the past 24 hours and it’s still coming down. Flood Watches/Warnings are in effect for communities across the state this afternoon as many low lying areas are flooding this afternoon as creeks, lakes and rivers swell out of their beds and banks. Swollen ditches are also overflowing onto many roadways, creating hazards for drivers. As of noon today, VDOT is reporting hundreds of closed roads across Central and Southwestern Virginia due to high water. Drivers can check the latest on road conditions at 511virginia.org. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles and AAA is reminding drivers to Turn Around, Don’t Drown(National Weather Service) when they come upon standing water on a roadway.
“Many drivers view rain storms as more of an inconvenience than a hazard,” said Martha Meade, Public Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “As a result, drivers tend to be less cautious than they should be. The most important steps to take when driving in wet conditions are to buckle up, slow down, and keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.”
10 Safety Tips for Wet Weather Driving:
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Ponding on roads – As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car and potentially stall your engine.
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Seek higher ground – If your vehicle stalls or is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately.
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Never drive through standing water – Standing water can be deceiving and motorists should avoid it. No matter how shallow it may appear, water may be concealing downed power lines, be deeper than it appears, or have significant force from flooding, etc.
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Slow down, brake early and drive with greater caution and alertness – Drivers are more likely to lose control of the vehicle when roads are wet so reduce speed and keep your eyes and mind on the road. Brake early, but not hard, to allow the time needed to slow the car down.
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Increase following distance – This is even more important when driving near vans, recreational vehicles and cars pulling trailers that may be adversely affected by the wind.
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Use the central lanes. When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without straddling the yellow line). Avoid outside lanes where the water collects at curbside.
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Know your vehicle – Light cars, vans and other “boxy” vehicles have a tendency to be feel more impacts of strong gusts of wind. If you feel unsafe, pull over and if possible seek shelter until you feel safe to drive again.
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Watch for hydroplaning – No car is immune from hydroplaning on wet surfaces, including four-wheel drive vehicles. Even if brakes work under normal conditions that doesn’t mean they will react the same on slippery roads where tires roll with less traction. Also, turn off cruise control as it can cause hydroplaning.
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Use your defroster – Keep the air inside your car dry and prevent windows from fogging by using your defroster along with your air conditioner.
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Take the nearest exit – If conditions worsen to the point where there is any doubt about your safety, take the nearest exit. Don’t just stop on the shoulder or under a bridge. If your visibility is compromised, other drivers may be struggling too.
The Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education offers more wet weather driving tips here.
Photo: Creative Dog Media
