United States Department of TransportationDriving in Severe Weather
What You Need to Know
If you must travel in severe weather, we encourage all drivers to keep a few things in mind.
Drive With Extra Caution When It’s Raining
- Drive Slowly
- It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick road. Increase your following distance so you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. Also remember that every vehicle handles differently; this is particularly true when driving on wet roads.
- It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick road. Increase your following distance so you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. Also remember that every vehicle handles differently; this is particularly true when driving on wet roads.
- Turn Around Don’t Drown
- People often underestimate the power of rushing water. It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, and just two feet of rushing water can carry away most trucks and SUVs. The CDC reports the most common type of flood-related drowning occurs when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. When you see the road is flooded, or if there are barriers blocking the road, turn around.
- People often underestimate the power of rushing water. It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, and just two feet of rushing water can carry away most trucks and SUVs. The CDC reports the most common type of flood-related drowning occurs when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. When you see the road is flooded, or if there are barriers blocking the road, turn around.
- Look Out for Pedestrians and Cyclists
- Always be extra cautious in hard-to-see conditions, like nighttime or in bad weather. More on pedestrian safety
Before You Go
- Plan Your Travel and Route
- Before heading out, make sure to check the road conditions and traffic. Check local stations for road closures and evacuation routes, if necessary.
- Before heading out, make sure to check the road conditions and traffic. Check local stations for road closures and evacuation routes, if necessary.
- Stock Your Vehicle
- Put together an emergency roadside kit. Inclement weather can develop quickly, so plan ahead and prepare in advance. A charged cell phone tops the list of suggested items since it allows you to call for help when and where you need it. More on summer road safety
Additional Flood-Related Resources: