Cars and Water Don't Mix
5 February 1998
Cars and Water Don't MixAAA's Flood-Weather Driving Safety Tips SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5 -- Driving across roads and bridges closed by flooding is extremely hazardous and should not be attempted, warns AAA of Northern California. "If you come upon a flood barrier, turn around and go another way," said AAA spokesman Paul Moreno. "A road or bridge that appears navigable may be washed out. "If your vehicle stalls in a floodwater, abandon it as soon as safely possible," Moreno said. "Even still floodwaters can rise rapidly, and two feet of moving water will carry away most cars." AAA offers these tips when driving or walking in heavy rains or flood areas: * Watch for debris, like trees. Falling rock and mud slides make mountain travel dangerous in heavy rains. * Reduce speed when roads are wet or muddy so you can maintain traction and safely turn or stop. * When driving on wet roads, maintain at least eight seconds of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. * If you are having car trouble, turn on your hazard lights and pull completely off the road to the right. Light flares or signal for help. Stay in your car with your seat belt buckled unless your car is in danger of being hit by another vehicle. Carry a cellular phone in case you become stranded. * If a vehicle has been even partially submerged in water, do not attempt to start it before a qualified technician has inspected it. Contact your insurance company to determine the extent of coverage before seeking repairs. * Beware of frightened animals -- especially rattlesnakes. Farm animals, pets and wild animals may be desperately fleeing floodwaters. * Don't walk through moving water. Moving water can knock people off their feet. * Watch for and avoid downed electrical wires. Electrocution is a major killer in floods, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as electric current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the utility company or emergency personnel. The AAA affiliate for Northern California, Nevada and Utah serves nearly four million members with an array of automotive, travel and insurance services. SOURCE AAA