Summer storms can bring heavy rain, slippery conditions
 
RALEIGH — As the summer storm season gains momentum, the N.C. Department of Transportation reminds motorists that heavy rains and flash flooding can create hazardous driving conditions, which increase the likelihood of an accident.
 
According to NCDOT statewide crash data, rain or wet road surfaces were a factor in 106,570 crashes between 2003 and 2007. Of those, 490 crashes were fatal, and 54,725 involved injuries.
 
“Summer storms can crop up suddenly and bring heavy rain and flooding,” said Kevin Lacy, NCDOT’s state traffic engineer. “Roadways become slippery and visibility decreases, so it’s important to drive defensively and stay alert. Taking a few extra precautions can ensure your safety and the safety of other motorists on the road.”

To help reduce the likelihood of a crash, motorists should take the following precautions:

• Allow more travel time;
• Turn on your low beam headlights and use the defroster to increase visibility;
• If possible, stay in the middle lane where the road tends to be higher;
• Reduce your speed by at least five to 10 miles per hour and allow at least twice the normal following distance. Signal for turns ahead of time and brake early as you near a stop. Remember, roads are slickest in the first 10 to 15 minutes, especially if it has not rained for a while;
• If a traffic signal is knocked out by a storm, regard the intersection as a four-way stop. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the car to the right has the right of way and after signaling, may move in any direction. If two facing vehicles approach the intersection at the same time, any car traveling straight ahead or turning right has the right of way;
• After driving through a puddle, tap your brake pedal to help dry your brake rotors;
• Do not drive through flooded areas, even if they seem shallow. Just one foot of water can float many vehicles, while two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and pick-ups;
• If your car starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas, apply the brakes in a steady, slightly firm manner without stomping and steer in the direction of the skid. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own; and
• If the rain is extremely heavy, pull over in a safe area in a parking lot or on the roadside with your emergency flashers on, away from any trees or other tall objects, and wait for the weather to improve.

For more information on wet weather driving or other factors that contribute to crashes, consult the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook. To get a copy, call 1-877-DOT-4YOU or visit http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/driver_services/drivershandbook