4/30 – AAA Offers Driving Tips as Heavy Rain, Flooding Hits Area

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The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the area through noon Thursday.
Three or more inches of rain is predicted for Central New Jersey and flooding can occur.
AAA Mid-Atlantic warns drivers to be careful on the roads and offers these recommendations:

  • Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Just a few inches of water can turn your vehicle into a boat, and could put your life, and the lives of those around you, at great risk. There is also a danger of asphyxiation if your tailpipe becomes filled with water. Turn around; find another way to get to your destination.  Pull over to a safe location if needed.
  •  Slow down and increase following distances. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. When it rains, visibility is reduced and braking distances increase.
  • Slowing down in the rain also minimizes car repairs. Many motorists try to move fast through driveable puddles, but it’s actually better for your car if you go slowly. Driving fast can force the water to splash up into your car’s undercarriage and cause damage. Your vehicle could suffer electrical problems and other issues caused by water damage – and many of the repairs involve SUV’s because people mistakenly think they are safe to drive through standing water.
  • When driving on pothole-filled roads, hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control.
  • Watch out for hydroplaning. No car is immune from hydroplaning on wet surfaces, including four-wheel drive vehicles.
  • Alert drivers behind you that you’re slowing with your brake lights. Without anti-lock brakes, squeeze the brakes until they are about to lock up and then release. With anti-lock brakes, use the same move – but don’t pump the brakes, which would work against the operation of the ABS system. Slow down as you approach a pothole.
  • Fumes and oil leaks that build up on dry pavement rise to the surface of the road when it rains, making the road far slicker than it may seem.
  • Remember, it’s the law in New Jersey to turn your headlights on if your windshield wipers are in use.
  • Buckle up, slow down, and keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.