Driving In Springtime Weather

Turn Around Don’t Drown!

With the recent storms and flooding that have occurred this spring, drivers of any type of vehicle need to know road conditions can change rapidly with flash floods. Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Over half of all flood-related deaths, each year occur with victims inside vehicles. Many of the deaths occur in vehicles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded.  Even when operating a large commercial motor vehicle, you can be swept away by the strong force of the water’s current.  I remember vividly watching several years ago a cement mixer that had been caught in a stormwater canal in Los Angeles during a flash flood be swept down the canal as if it were a toy boat.  To check on weather conditions and flooding, go to the National Weather Service website at: www.srh.weather.gov.

Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don’t Drown. You will not know the depth of the water, nor will you know the condition of the road under the water.

• If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
• Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don’t Drown
• Roadbeds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don’t Drown If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
•  Don’t Park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers
• Avoid low water crossings.
• Use alternate routes to avoid flood-prone areas.
• Leave your vehicle immediately if it stalls in floodwaters.
• Move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
• Most cars and light trucks will begin to float in as little as 1 to 2 feet of water.

Tornado

• Do not drive during tornado conditions
• Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air
• Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building
• If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Overpasses also can be places of refuge, however, be aware of the potential for flooding

Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning

• Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms

• If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don’t try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips

• Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain

• Allow extra distance for braking

• Do not drive unless necessary

• Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle

• Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside

• An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open

• Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside

• Avoid flooded roadways

• Avoid downed power lines

• Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to ensure that they are ready for severe weather

• Approach intersections with caution

• Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs