Driving Rain, Driving Dangers

Wet Roads, Flooding, Increase Risks for Motorists

With forecasters calling for heavy rains and flooding, AAA is reminding motorists that there is an increased risk for single vehicle crashes when roads are wet. 

According to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there are a greater proportion of non-collisions (single vehicle crashes) than multiple-vehicle collisions when roads are wet.

“Rain may seem a welcome relief compared to the weather we’ve been having but wet roadways contribute to more than a million crashes each year,” says Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford. “Commuters may be anxious to get home today but it's critical that they adjust their driving for the conditions".

Especially during heavy downpours when visibility is limited, AAA is encouraging drivers to pull over and wait it out.

“Better to get where you’re going safely than to not get there at all” Parmenter says.

AAA is also reminding motorists NOT to try to drive through flooded roadways or intersections.

“Driving through standing water is especially dangerous because you never know how deep the water is or what you are driving over”, Parmenter says. “We’ve all seen the pictures of cars stuck in the middle of a flooded area. Those drivers are not only putting themselves at risk, they are also endangering those who then must venture into the floodwaters to rescue them”.

AAA offers these wet-weather reminders:

1. Slow down.  Drive defensively and with compromised road conditions in mind.

    

2. Increase following distance. In optimal conditions, drivers should allow 3-4 seconds to stop. When roads are wet, following distance should be increased to 8-10 seconds

    

3. Make sure tires are properly inflated and have a healthy tread.

    

4. Never use cruise control in wet-weather.

    

5. Make sure headlights are on and that your brake lights and taillights are clean and visible - not just so you can see but so you can be seen by others.

    

6. Make sure windshield wipers work and don’t streak.

    

7. If you do begin to skid or hydroplane, always look and steer in the direction you want to go.

Find more information on wet weather driving at AAA.com.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than one million members in Connecticut.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.aaa.com.