Driving After Heavy Rain

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy storms are an inevitability during the summer season.  Rainfall can accumulate quickly, which can lead to property damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles.  This can also cause adverse travel conditions.  While you should avoid driving in flood conditions, you may already be on the road when this weather occurs.  Keep these tips in mind so that you can stay safe under these hazardous conditions.

Avoid Pooling Water

Do your best to drive around areas of the road where water has begun to accumulate.  When the depth reaches .5 inches or more, hydroplaning becomes a very real risk.  Your car can even begin to float in six inches of water, especially if it is moving water.

Drive Slowly

This seems like an obvious tip, but many people don't realize just how slow they need to go to avoid losing traction on the roadway.  A maximum of five miles per hour is recommended to maintain control of your vehicle.  Slower speeds, such as one or two MPH, should be used when entering or exiting a roadway.  This is because during acceleration and deceleration, the risk of losing control is greater.

Drive Where The Water Is Most Shallow

Most paved roads have a slight grade in them to help rainwater and other debris flow off of the surface.  This can be used to your advantage during heavy rainfall and roadway flooding.  Drive as close to the center of the road as possible, as this is where the water will be the least deep.

If the heavy rainfall and water happen to also affect your home or business, SERVPRO of University Place / Lakewood West can help return you to preloss condition.