SC Highway Patrol urges caution on flooded roadways

SC Highway Patrol is urging drivers to use caution while driving on flooded roads.

RED CROSS WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the

...

RED CROSS WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
Stay away from floodwaters.
If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way.
Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way.
If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out

...

By: Erika Hayes | SCNOW
Published: September 29, 2010

GARDEN CITY --

Flash flooding is the number-one weather-related killer in the U.S., and with all the rain expected to hit the Carolinas, the South Carolina Highway Patrol stresses safety.

Heavy rain can cause hydroplaning, flooded roads and even roadway collapse, South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins said.

For those reasons, and many others, drivers need to pay extra attention, Collins said.

"Barricades are out there for a reason, so if you see them, don't try to drive through anyway," Collins said.

If there is no barricade, but the road looks flooded, drivers should use extra caution and common sense, Collins said.

Above all drivers should remember that wet roads affect how vehicles handle.

"Just be that extra-good driver. All those things we practice all the time -- slowing down, driving defensively -- when rain comes in like this it just amplifies all of that," he said.

Drivers should give themselves extra time to get where they need to go and extra distance between themselves and the car in front while they get there.

"Speed limits are posted for ideal driving conditions, not flash flood situations," Collins said.

State law also requires drivers to have their headlights on when using their windshield wipers, Collins said.

Drivers should check to make sure their wipers are working properly before heading out onto the roads in this weather, Collins said.

South Carolina Highway Patrol has extra officers ready to respond to flood-related accidents as long as the rain continues.

SC Highway Patrol urges caution on flooded roadways

Related

Share This:

More from this channel:

Reader Comments

Deal of the Day

Weather

Latest News Video

Things to Do

Links We Like