Use Caution When Driving in Flooded Areas

With another round of heavy rain bearing down on Fairfield County, here are some tips for driving in rain-soaked areas, as well in heavy rain.

* Avoid driving through flooded areas, even if puddles appear shallow. One foot of water can float a small vehicle, and two feet of rushing water can carry away an SUV.

* If you've driven through a puddle, tap your brake to help dry rotors quickly.

* If your car starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas and apply brakes in a steady and slightly firm manner. Do not stomp on the pedal. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own.

* Use low beam headlights to increase visibility.

* If possible, stay in the middle lane where the road tends to be higher.

* Reduce speed by at least five to ten miles per hour, and allow at least twice the normal following distance.

* Signal for turns well ahead of time and brake early as you near a stop. Roads are slickest in the first 10 to 15 minutes of a rainstorm, as fluids released from cars don't get dispersed immediately.

* If a traffic signal isn't functioning, approach the intersection as a four-way stop. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, remember your driver's education class -- the car to the right has the right of way.

Click here for more information about driving in inclement weather.

The brutal weather doesn't seem to want to end with winter. How have you been coping with all the storms? Are you driving less? Let me know here.

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