Rain Factors in More Crashes than Other Adverse Weather Conditions

 Thunderstorms can produce heavy downpours and AAA is urging motorists to be prepared and to remain cautious if driving. The weather forecast calls for rain this weekend.

According to research by the US Department of Transportation, rain, snow, sleet and fog are a factor in more than 1.2 million police-reported crashes, 425,000 injuries and more than 5,000 traffic deaths per year – with rain leading adverse the weather condition.

The first 10 minutes of a downpour can be the most dangerous, automotive experts say. When rain mixes with oil residue on the road surface, it creates slippery conditions that can cause vehicles, especially those traveling speeds in excess of 35 mph, to hydroplane.

“Heavy downpours can create standing water on roadways during a storm that be deceiving,” says AAA Public Affairs Manager, Kara Hitchens. “Motorists should never drive through standing water at any depth. Should you be on the road and encounter standing water, your safest course of action is always to simply turn the car around and avoid it altogether.”

No matter how familiar you may be with the road, never drive through standing water—at any depth. As little as one foot of water can “float” most vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles—including SUVs and pick-ups.

Driving through high water may cause serious damage to your vehicle.

“If you don’t know how deep the water is, then don’t drive through it,” Hitchens adds. “The best plan is to park your car on the highest ground possible and take shelter.”

If a vehicle is driven through standing water, a driver risks flooding the engine, warping brake rotors, loss of power steering, or a short in the electrical components of the car, all of which can be costly to repair.

Repairs related to flooded vehicles can cost thousands of dollars to repair—and may not be covered by your auto insurance, says Dan Scroggins, vice president of personal lines at The Agency at AAA.

“If your vehicle stalls in standing water, do not try to restart it. Instead, call AAA Fleet Operations immediately, as attempting to restart the vehicle allows more water to enter and further damage the engine,” said Shawn Cobble, Supervisor, AAA Fleet Operations.

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.