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AAA Michigan Has Wet Weather Driving Tips

18 February 1998

AAA Michigan Has Wet Weather Driving Tips

    DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 18 -- Heavy rain across much of
Michigan has created flood conditions which are not kind to cars.  To help
keep motorists high and dry, AAA Michigan offers the following wet weather
driving tips:
    *  Slow down and be prepared for sitting water on the road.  If you hit
water at high speed, it's more apt to "drown" your engine.  Best advice -- try
to avoid water or go through slowly.  Remember, where there's water, there may
be potholes.
    POOR VISIBILITY.  Regardless of your driving experience, the odds are
greater that you'll have a collision in wet weather.  A hard rain can limit
visibility.  For this reason, you'll want to:
    *  Keep your windshield and windows clean.  Use your defrosters to keep
front and rear windshields clean.  Replace worn wiper blades if they don't
clear your windshield.
    *  Stop periodically during a long trip to clean your headlights.  Keep
low beam headlights on at all times.
    *  When visibility is so limited you can't see the edges of the road or
other vehicles, it's time to pull off and wait for the rain to ease.
    REDUCED TRACTION.  Wet roads mean poor traction.  Conditions are most
dangerous during the first 10 minutes of a heavy downpour as oil and debris
wash away.
    *  The best remedy when wheels are stuck in mud or a soft shoulder is to
apply power slowly.  Keep front wheels pointed straight ahead.  If you can't
move forward; try backing out.  You may have to "rock" your way out using low
gear.
    *  You may need to take evasive action to avoid a collision.  Steering is
sometimes preferred to braking at speeds above 25 mph.  In wet weather, sudden
braking often leads to skids.  Squeeze brakes gently to keep control of your
vehicle.
    *  Recognize water hazards and steer around them.  Check all lanes for
other vehicles before steering around a water hazard.
    *  Stopping on a slippery surface requires more distance, so increase your
following distance.  Focus your attention as far ahead as possible -- at least
20 to 30 seconds.
    FLOOD DAMAGE.  A car damaged by flood water should not be started until a
thorough inspection and cleaning is performed.  If the car has been completely
or partially submerged, it may be necessary to disassemble all mechanical
parts for thorough cleaning and lubrication.  AAA Michigan recommends car
owners contact their insurance company to determine the extent of coverage
before seeking repairs.
    EMERGENCY BREAKDOWN.  If your car stalls on the highway and won't start
back up, stay with the vehicle until help arrives -- in the form of a police
officer or AAA road service.  If someone else arrives, roll down your window
just enough to ask him or her to call the police.  At the first sign of car
trouble:
    *  Pull as far off the highway as possible.
    *  Raise the car hood or tie a white cloth to a door handle.
    *  If you must walk to a phone, keep your group together.
    *  Be cautious if someone seems over-anxious to help, and avoid riding
with strangers.

SOURCE  AAA Michigan