Use Extreme Caution When Driving In A Major Storm

Severe weather is anticipated for north Georgia, set to unfold on Friday. Strong winds, heavy downpours, and the threat of tornadoes are expected to create dangerous driving conditions. AAA-The Auto Club Group urges drivers to be cautious and avoid being on the roads during the storm, if possible. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, each year, 75 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on wet pavement and 47 percent happen during rainfall.

“While it isn’t advised, if you must get behind the wheel during the storm, it is very important to adjust your typical driving style,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. “Whether it’s during or after the storm, if you see a flooded street, don’t drive through it! Driving through standing water is especially dangerous because you never know just how deep the water is or what you are driving over.”

Georgia motorists are reminded that when it comes to driving in rainy weather conditions, it’s important to revisit the safe driving playbook.  AAA recommends that if driving cannot be avoided, reduce your speed, keep calm, and do the following:

• Check traffic and weather conditions through your local media outlets before heading out.
• Have a full tank of gas.
• Wipers on! Keep your windshield wipers in good condition — winter cold can wreak havoc on your blades.
• Wear your safety belt.
• Check tires: Make sure tires are properly inflated and have enough tread depth. This will allow the vehicle to have better traction and maneuverability on the road.
• Slow down and leave room: Slowing down during wet weather can be critical to reducing a car’s chance of hydroplaning when the tires rise up on a film of water. With as little as ½ inch of water on the road, tires must displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road. Drivers should reduce their speed to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. At speeds as low as 35 mph, new tires can still lose some contact with the roadway. Also, it is important for motorists to allow ample stopping distance between cars by increasing the following distance of the vehicle in front of them and beginning to slow down early to stop for intersections, turns, and other traffic.
• Always travel with a cell phone, car charger, and your AAA Membership Card.
• Rainy conditions can cause low visibility: Turn on your headlights to help you see better, and to allow other motorists to spot you better. Avoid using your high beams because you could blind other drivers, and the extra light will reflect off the rain, which can cause more of a distraction. If you can’t see the edges of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance while driving during wet weather, pull off the road as far as you can and wait for the rain to ease up. Make sure to turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers.
• Avoid standing water and flooded roads at all times. There is no way to tell how deep standing water is on a flooded road and driving through it can cause a vehicle to stall and result in severe damage to the vehicle from:
  • Flooding the engine
  • Warping brake rotors
  • Loss of power steering
  • A short in electrical components
• If your vehicle stalls in a flooded area, do not remain in the car. Abandon it as soon as possible and seek higher ground. Flood waters can elevate quickly, sweeping away the vehicle and its occupants.
• Watch for icy surfaces on bridges and intersections, even if the rest of the road seems to be in good condition. If your tires lose traction and you begin to skid, continue to look and steer in the direction you want to go. If the drive wheels start to spin or slide while going up a hill, ease off the accelerator slightly and then gently resume speed.
• Road closures also apply to our tow truck drivers as safety is the key for everyone.
• If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, please contact law enforcement.
• Stay with your vehicle if you get stranded. If the engine can be started, run it only long enough to keep warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is snow-free.  
• Traffic signal blackout: If traffic signal lights are not working due to power failure, you must stop at the intersection, and then proceed when you know other turning and approaching vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians have stopped. A blacked-out traffic signal works the same as a four-way stop.

Safety Tips for Driving in Strong Winds:

• Firmly grip the steering wheel: Know your vehicle, light cars, vans, and other “boxy” vehicles are more likely to be blown by strong gusts of wind.
• Anticipate gusts: Pay attention when driving through areas prone to strong winds or when weather reports forecast severe weather.
• Watch for debris in the road.

AAA Weather Company Alerts

Whether you’re at home or on the road, knowing what the weather will be like can be crucial to protecting the people, pets, and the things you treasure most. AAA members can track weather events for free by signing up for Weather Company Alerts. Learn more at www.aaa.com/weather.