Heavy Rain-Staying Safe On Memphis Roads
If you’re looking for fun in the sun this weekend, you may want to look elsewhere. Unfortunately this weekend’s forecast in Memphis is all gloom and doom, with sustained downpours, possible freezing rain with flooding possibilities starting on Friday.
With this and driving safety in mind we want to remind our readers how much wet roads can greatly impact a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. The wet pavement decreases traction and maneuverability, while heavy rain reduces visibility distance. This leads to drivers slowing down, which then results in reduced roadway capacity and increased delay. Speeds on roads can decrease suddenly by 10 to 25 percent with wet roads and standing water. These wet conditions not only cause traffic disruptions but also increase the risk of crashes. Slick roads can cause braking distances to increase, roadway puddle significantly increase the likelihood of hydroplaning, and heavy rains here in Memphis can reduce visibility at times to the end of your hood.
Flooding, whether from inland sources such as tropical storms or hurricanes, can greatly limit or prevent access to submerged lanes, reducing roadway capacity. This type of flooding is often the greatest source of fatalities.
And the statistics bear this out. According to the US Department of Transportation, 75 percent of weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement and 47 percent occur during rainfall, resulting in the deaths of nearly 5,700 people and injuring over 544,700 people. Additionally, over 3,400 people are killed and over 357,300 people are injured in crashes that happen during rainfall.
All of this supports our belief that extreme caution should be taken if traveling in heavy rain. While we recommend staring indoors during these times, there are situations when it’s unavoidable. Here are some tips for staying safe on the road in downpour conditions:
- Slow down: Decrease your speed to match the conditions of the road. It takes longer to stop on wet roads, so leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Turn on your headlights: This will help you see the road ahead and make it easier for other drivers to see you.
- Avoid sudden movements: Sudden movements, such as sudden braking or steering, can cause your vehicle to skid.
- Hydroplaning: If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas and steer straight. Do not brake suddenly, as this can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- Avoid standing water: Avoid driving through standing water, as it can be deep enough to cause damage to your vehicle or cause it to lose control.
- Pull Over To A Safe Location: Sometimes the best option during heavy rains and flooding is to simply pull over. Be aware that visibility is typically limited, so you should do so in an area that is away from heavy traffic, like on the shoulder of a busy highway.
What is Hydroplaning? – Hydroplaning is a driving condition that occurs when a layer of water between the tire and the road surface causes the tire to lose contact with the road. This can cause a loss of traction and reduce the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. Hydroplaning is most likely to occur at high speeds and is more likely at the start of a rainstorm before the roads have a chance to soak up the water, when the water on the road is deep, a car’s speeds are high, or when the tires are worn. To reduce the risk of hydroplaning, drivers should slow down during heavy rain, maintain good tire tread, and avoid sudden braking or steering.
Calling for help
If you are involved in an accident or your vehicle goes into a ditch with increasing water flow, it is important to remain calm and call for help. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and get assistance. If you are unable to call, try to flag down a passing vehicle for help or call a roadside assistance or towing company like Trustworthy Towing for help. We can work with local authorities to get response crews on site in your time of need.
Need help during a wet road accident, or towing services to move your disabled car or truck? Don’t hesitate to call Trustworthy Towing Service. Located in the heart of Memphis TN, we can get to where we’re needed in the fasted method possible, and since we’re a 24-hour business we can get to you quickly no matter the time of day. Call today at (901) 401-4025
