Hurricane Matthew is expected to greatly affect our area, including roadways—making driving especially difficult. AAA urges all drivers to stay off the roads but they released road safety tips for motorists who must drive through the storm.
They caution drivers to check local traffic and weather conditions before heading out and to keep an emergency kit inside your vehicle that includes: extra batteries, a first-aid kit, drinking water, mobile phone and car charger, extra food, battery booster cables, and emergency flares.
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Rainy conditions cause low visibility, to see more clearly: turn on your headlights but avoid using your high beams because you can distract other drivers and the extra light will reflect in the rain, distracting you. If the edges of the road are no longer visible, pull over to the side and be sure to turn on your emergency flashers.
AAA also warns drivers to avoid any standing water or flooded roads. There is no way to determine how deep the water is and driving through the water can cause your car to stall and result in severe damage to your car. Driving through water can flood your engine, warp brake rotors, cause loss of power steering, or short electrical components.
If your vehicle does stall in flooded water, do not remain in your car. Flood water can rise quickly and sweep away the vehicle and all those inside.
AAA said drivers should anticipate hurricane’s to bring strong wind gusts; pay attention to areas where the wind may be stronger or when weather reports forecast strong and severe weather. If gusts are strong while on the roads, firmly grip the steering wheel, increase the distance between you and other cars, and be aware of the cars next to you. Some vehicles may be affected by the wind more than others.
Lastly, AAA reiterated to only drive in these conditions when absolutely necessary.