FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12-07-2018
Contact: Rosio Torres, 713-426-9542
Safety Tips for Driving in Severe Weather
(Houston, TX) - The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management is monitoring severe weather conditions in our area. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Harris County in effect through noon Saturday. Heavy rainfall could affect driving conditions, so please use caution while on the roadways.
When the road is wet, the film of the water on the asphalt causes tires to lose traction. The rain also reduces driver perception and decreases visibility. While most people know to slow down in the rain, here are other tips that can save your life.
- Allow for more travel time. You should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet. Traffic is likely to be moving slower due to accidents or flooded roads.
- Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. Not only does this increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, it also lets the driver behind you know that you are slowing down.
- Avoid crossing flooded areas. If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is limited. Also, standing water can splash up into your car's engine compartment and damage internal electrical systems.
- Never attempt to go around barricades. It is against the law, they are there for your safety!
- Turn on your headlights, even when there is a light sprinkle. It helps you see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see you.
- Watch out for pedestrians. Keep a sharp lookout for people in the road.
- Pull over and wait it out. If it is raining so hard that you cannot see the road or the car in front of you, just pull over.
- Give trucks or buses extra distance. Their extra-large tires can create enough spray to block your vision completely. Avoid passing, but if you must pass, do it as quickly as safety allows.
- Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up.
Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
Sign up to receive emergency alerts at www.ReadyHarris.org.
###
MESSAGE ID# 8096807922074684