| Heavy rain can quickly turn routine driving into a dangerous situation, reducing visibility, decreasing tire traction and creating the potential for flash flooding. AAA Texas is reminding motorists to adjust their driving habits during wet weather and, most importantly, never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway. “Texas weather can change quickly, and conditions on the road can deteriorate just as fast,” said Doug Shupe, Corporate Communications Manager for AAA Texas. “Drivers should slow down, give themselves considerably more room to stop and avoid taking chances around standing or moving water. If you come to a flooded roadway, turn around and find another route. No destination is worth risking your life.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it can take just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and two feet to carry away most trucks and SUVs. AAA and NHTSA advise motorists to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when encountering a flooded roadway or a road blocked by barriers. Driving Safely in Heavy Rain AAA recommends motorists take the following precautions when driving on wet roads: Slow down. Wet pavement reduces traction and makes it more difficult to control or stop a vehicle. Reduce speed and avoid hard braking, sudden acceleration and sharp turns. Increase following distance. AAA recommends leaving five to six seconds between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead during wet conditions. The additional space gives drivers more time to react and stop. Turn off cruise control. Cruise control should not be used on wet roads. Drivers need to be able to immediately ease off the accelerator if the tires begin to lose traction. Use your headlights. Make sure headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly. Headlights help drivers see the roadway and make the vehicle more visible to others. Make sure your wipers are working properly. Replace windshield wipers that streak, chatter or fail to adequately clear the windshield. Check your tires. Proper tire inflation and adequate tread depth are critical for maintaining traction on wet pavement. Worn tires increase the risk of hydroplaning. Avoid distractions. Heavy rain requires a driver’s full attention. Put the phone away and remain focused on changing traffic, roadway and weather conditions. If Your Vehicle Begins to Hydroplane Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water separates the tires from the roadway, causing the vehicle to lose traction. If a vehicle begins to hydroplane, AAA recommends drivers: - Ease off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to gradually slow down.
- Continue looking and steering in the direction you want the vehicle to travel.
- Avoid slamming on the brakes or making sudden steering movements.
- Remain calm until the tires regain contact with the roadway.
Never Drive Through Floodwater AAA strongly advises motorists not to drive through standing or moving water. Drivers often cannot determine how deep the water is or what is underneath it. Floodwater can conceal washed-out pavement, potholes, debris and other hazards. Moving water can also sweep a vehicle from the roadway. If water covers the road ahead, turn around and find another route. Drivers should also obey barricades and road-closure signs. Never drive around a barrier blocking a flooded roadway. If Your Vehicle Stalls in Floodwater If a vehicle stalls after entering floodwater, AAA advises motorists not to attempt to restart the engine, which could cause additional damage. If water is rising around the vehicle and it is safe to exit, leave the vehicle immediately and move to higher ground. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Motorists should never remain with a vehicle when rapidly rising or moving floodwater creates a threat to personal safety. After a vehicle has been exposed to floodwater, AAA recommends having it inspected by a qualified repair professional before attempting to drive it. When Visibility Becomes Too Poor to Drive If rain becomes so heavy that a driver can no longer clearly see the roadway, lane markings or surrounding traffic, AAA recommends getting off the road at a safe location and waiting for conditions to improve. On city streets, look for a safe parking area away from traffic. On highways, take the nearest safe exit when possible rather than stopping in a travel lane or beneath an overpass. Prepare Before Severe Weather Arrives AAA recommends motorists prepare their vehicles before severe weather by checking: - Tire condition and inflation
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid
- Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals
- Vehicle fluids and general maintenance
- Battery condition
Motorists should also keep an emergency roadside kit in their vehicle. Recommended items include a charged cell phone and charger, flashlight, first-aid kit, warning devices, drinking water, nonperishable food and necessary medications. Before leaving home when severe weather is expected, check weather forecasts, traffic conditions and road closures. If conditions are dangerous, postpone nonessential travel until conditions improve. About AAA Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Guided by its mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel planning, discounts, and financial and insurance services. AAA serves more than 66 million members across North America, including more than 58 million in the United States. | 
