Forecast: Rain, Rain And...More Rain

A lot of rain has been falling in Georgia and the Southeast as a whole this spring. Forecasts of heavy rains and thunderstorms seem to be a weekly occurrence. All of this water accumulating on already saturated ground can cause areas of standing water and flash-flooding on roads. Driving during severe weather and its aftermath is dangerous, and should be avoided when possible.

If driving during severe weather cannot be avoided, several tips are offered below to help ensure that everyone remains safe and gets to their destination without incident.

BEFORE GETTING ON THE ROAD

• Plan the trip carefully, avoiding areas that are prone to flooding and allow extra time for reduced speed and traffic congestion;
• Let friends and family know your intended route and expected arrival time;
• When possible, travel with others;
• Check that your windshield wipers are fully functional; if they are not, replace them;
• Fill your tank up with gas;
• Carry a fully charged cell phone--in case a car charger cannot be used.

DRIVING DURING SEVERE WEATHER

• Use dipped headlights so that other drivers can see you more easily;
• Do not use rear fog lights; they can mask brake lights and blind drivers behind you;
• Reduce speed and leave more distance between your car and the car in front of you to account for greater stopping distance/time;
• Look out for large or fast-moving vehicles creating spray which reduces visibility;
• Listen for local news bulletins for road closures, flooding and forecasts;
• Driving too fast through standing water could result in tires losing contact with the road; if the steering suddenly feels light, this could be an indication of hydro-planing. To re-gain traction, ease off the accelerator, do not brake, and allow your speed to reduce until you gain full control of the steering again;
• Be considerate of other road users and try to avoid spraying pedestrians and cyclists as you drive through water.

DRIVING NEAR FLOODED AREAS

• Do NOT attempt to drive through water if you are unsure of the depth;
• Never attempt to drive through fast-flowing water; you can easily get swept away;
• Always test your brakes after driving out of water;
• If your engine stalls or dies after driving through deep water, do not attempt to re-start it since engine damage may occur; call for roadside assistance.

WHEN YOUR CAR IS NOT YOUR FRIEND

Floods can be fatal; this is not necessarily surprising. What may be surprising is that half of all flash-flood fatalities occur in vehicles. It only takes 18-24 inches of water to carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and trucks. Furthermore, a mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water is enough to knock over an adult. A little water can go a long way; never underestimate it.

CONTACT YOUR ATTORNEY

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident due to severe weather and/or flash-flooding, contact David Thomas at The Thomas Law Firm for a free consultation.