Be Safe in the Rain
City safety officials want to remind you of some important tips to avoid car accidents and other rain-related hazards during the storm.
Be prepared for hazards associated with swiftly moving water, flooded areas, mudslides and wind-blown debris.
Leave early, anticipate and prepare for increased traffic delays and road closures.
Check your tires. Make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated.
Drive slowly and avoid flooded areas. Swiftly flowing water as shallow as 1 foot can easily sweep a car from the road.
Avoid crossing areas where flood water is present. Even a small amount traveling at high speed can cause drivers to lose control.
Obey road barricades and signs; never “sightsee” in areas with flooding or mudslides.
Leave extra room between your car and the cars ahead of you.
Avoid hydroplaning. As little as 1/12 of an inch water at a speed of more than 35 miles per hour can cause hydroplaning. If you start to hydroplane, let off the accelerator slowly and steer straight until you regain control.
Don’t cruise. Cruise control can cause your car to accelerate when hydroplaning and reduces driver attentiveness.
Be alert for power lines that may have been toppled by wind or trees or broken gas lines. Report them immediately to 9-1-1.
If advised by local authorities to evacuate, move immediately to a safe area.
Did you know some traffic laws actually change during wet weather?
Drivers must use windshield wipers when it’s raining, and they must be in good working condition.
Headlights must be turned on.
When a traffic signal is not working, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
View our Storm Preparation GuideTo report flooding, call 760-931-2197, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To report an issue with roads or blocked storm drains, call 760-434-2980. For immediate threats to public safety, property or the environment, immediately call 9-1-1.
