Here are Some Great Tips for Driving Safe in a Monsoon
Driving safe in a Monsoon. Well, here we are again, the time of year when we expect heavy rain, high winds and amazing lightening shows! Quite frankly, during Arizona’s monsoons, getting behind the wheel can be a harrowing experience if caught in a storm. For instance, wild wind gusts, slippery roads, flooded highways and poor visibility can make for a white knuckle ride. For this reason, we have come up with a few safety tips to keep you out of harms way.
Inspect Your Vehicle
Really, this should go with out saying. But, vehicle maintenance is one of those things that should be on the top of your list. With this said, during monsoon season make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order. Replace any cracked or broken ones. In like manner, check your tire treads. Here is what to do: take a quarter and insert head first into the grooves of your tires. Then, if there is any space above Washington’s head, it’s time to go tire shopping. Also, this is a good time to replace headlights and brake lights that are out. “You want to be see and be seen!”
Slow Down Speed Buggy
First, when it rains, oil and grime on the pavement rise to the surface. Therefore, making wet streets extremely slippery. Thus, making it more difficult to get traction. Consequently, slowing down allows a greater amount of the tire’s tread to make contact with the road. Ultimately, giving you better traction. Make sure to drive at steady pace, avoiding sudden movements when braking, turning or accelerating.
Take Your Time
Typically, in bad weather traffic congestion can and will turn into a parking lot. So, plan ahead and allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
No Tailgating
For one thing, increase the distance you normally keep from the car in front of you. Be diligent about the brake lights ahead of you. Did you know, it takes three times longer to stop on a wet road than a dry one? Food for thought.
Pull Over….Correctly?
As a matter of fact, there is a right and wrong way to pull over during a storm. If you feel it is unsafe to drive, completely pull of the road and turn your lights OFF and keep your foot off the brake. In this instance, poor visibility can confuse other drivers. By turning off your lights other drivers will continue to follow the tail lights ahead of them and stay on the roadway.
No Swimming! Avoid Flooding on Roadways
After all, only a few inches of water can move your whole car. With this in mind, flooding can happen on highways and neighborhood streets. This can occur within moment of a heavy downpour. Therefore, be diligent of posted flood warning signs and or barricades. In the event that you ignore signs and barricades and become stranded in a flooded area, you are responsible to pay for your own rescue. By the way, this is according to Arizona’s ” Stupid Motorist Law”.
STAY!
If a power line comes in contact with your car, heaven forbid while you are inside, stay in your car. Then, honk your horn like crazy to attract attention and wait for help to arrive. By all means, if other imminent dangers force you to leave your automobile, never touch the ground and the car at the same time. In this instance, you will have to jump out with both feet at the same time. Then, you will need to hop around with both feet until you are at least 50 feet away from the automobile. (This is why you should continue your work outs! You never know).
Don’t Drive and Take Pictures
Driving safe in a monsoon. We all want to capture that amazing picture of a storm ridden sky so we can show our Facebook friends what a really great Haboob looks like. So, when you are driving, maintain focus on the road and keep both hands on the wheel. If you just have to capture that picture wait until you have pulled over correctly, then you can snap away. During the summer months in Arizona the weather can change quickly. The Kolb Team hopes these few tips will help to keep you safe.
Sun Lakes, AZ is conveniently located to all major freeways and airports. Not to mention, major retail stores and boutiques and many fabulous restaurants and so much more!
If you would like more information on our listings or buying a home in Sun Lakes click here. Or Call us 480-809-5759. The Kolb Team. Your Arizona active adult communities experts! Click to get our FREE Guide to Buying a Home.
Let’s be friends! Follow us on social media for up to date information on Sun Lakes, AZ and active adult communities and events.