B-Roll video : New vs. worn tires on wet a roadway test track.

More Rain Coming; AAA offers Advice, Safety Tips for Drivers, Homeowners

September 11, 2019 - More rain and the risk of severe weather is in the forecast for tonight. “AAA is urging motorists to be prepared and to remain cautious if driving” says AAA South Dakota spokesperson, Marilyn Buskohl. 

Additional caution behind the wheel is just one key to being safe while driving in rainy conditions. Tires play a critical role and research conducted by AAA revealed that driving on relatively worn tires at highway speeds in wet conditions can increase average stopping distances by a staggering 43 percent, or an additional 87 feet -- more than the length of a semi-trailer truck -- when compared to new tires.

With nearly 800,000 crashes occurring on wet roads each year, AAA urges drivers to check tread depth, replace tires proactively, and increase following distances significantly during rainy conditions.

AAA Offers These Tips to Drivers:

Responding to a Skid

Even careful drivers can experience hydroplaning or skids. If a driver feels the car begin to skid, it is important to not panic and follow these basic steps:

• Continue to look and steer in the direction you want the car to go.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this will further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to control.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Just a few inches of swift-moving flood water flowing over a roadway can sweep away a vehicle. With many creeks, culverts and rivers across South Dakota now at or above flood stage, the danger to drivers is evident.

“Every year, people attempt to drive into water over flowing roads, and many quickly discover it was the wrong decision,” said AAA South Dakota’s Buskohl. “Driving into water without knowing how deep or swift it is flowing can be deadly. Bottom line, ‘turn around, don’t drown.” 

Don’t Drive “Intexticated”

With wet weather impairing vision and creating slick road conditions, it is more important than ever for drivers to put down their cell phones and focus solely on the road when they are behind the wheel. AAA South Dakota is highlighting how the dangers of driving distracted can be as impairing and dangerous as drinking and driving through our “Don’t Drive Intoxicated – Don’t Drive Intexticated” public awareness campaign. Motorists can find tips for how to avoid driving distractions and sign a pledge against distracted driving at www.aaa.com/dontdrivedistracted.

AAA Insurance offers tips on how to deal with damage after a storm:

Vehicles

• Physical damage to a car caused by heavy wind or fallen tree limbs is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto policy.
• For vehicles damaged by fallen tree or limbs drivers should file an insurance claim using the comprehensive coverage on the vehicle. 

Homes

• If your tree falls on your house, your insurance will cover removal of the tree and home repairs due to damage.
• If your tree falls on your neighbor’s house, your neighbor’s homeowner’s policy would provide insurance coverage.  The same holds true if your neighbor’s tree falls on your home; you would file a claim with your insurance company.
• If a tree falls in the yard, but doesn’t hit anything, the homeowner would be responsible to pay for its removal in most cases.
• Homeowners who have weak, damaged or decayed trees on their property can be held liable for damages if the tree crashes on a neighbor’s home or vehicle.
• Wind-related damage to a house, its roof, its contents and other insured structures on the property is covered under standard homeowner’s insurance policies. Wind-driven rain that causes an opening in the roof or wall and enters through this opening is also covered.
• Damage to a house and its contents caused by a collapse is covered under standard homeowners insurance policies.

  For homeowners who experienced damage to cars, homes or property, AAA Insurance recommends these tips to help the claims process go smoothly:

• Take appropriate immediate and temporary measures to prevent further damage. If you do make minor repairs before an insurance adjuster arrives, save receipts to submit for reimbursement.
• Phone your insurance agent or company immediately. Be prepared with a list of questions ahead of time: Am I covered? Does my claim exceed my deductible? How long will it take to process my claim? Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage?
• If your home is damaged to the extent you cannot live there, find out if you have coverage for additional living expenses for accommodations while repairs are completed. If you do stay at a hotel, keep your receipts for reimbursement.
• Schedule a time for an adjuster to inspect the damage to your property.
• Prepare a list of lost or damaged articles. Avoid throwing out damaged items until the adjuster has visited. Consider photographing or videotaping the damage.
• Get claim forms. Insurance companies will send required claim forms by a specified time period. Be sure to completely fill out the form and return promptly to avoid delays.