Tips on Driving Safely During Monsoon Season

Monsoon Season is almost to an end, but it’s always important to remember that driving through a storm can be dangerous and we all need to be cautious on the road. Here are a couple of tips on how to drive safely and prevent a catastrophic accident.

Avoid Flash Flood Regions

Flash floods are one of the greatest risks during monsoon season, they can occur within minutes or a few hours and catch you off guard on the road. Since 1996 they have resulted in 40 fatalities and are considered the most dangerous storm-related hazard in Arizona. Avoid low-lying areas and valleys, rivers, creeks and streams, and stay on the lookout for flash flood warnings on the news.

Do Not Drive Through High Water

If you’re driving and you can’t tell the depth of a puddle, don’t drive through it. Six inches of water can make your car stall or lose control and a foot is enough to pick up most cars. If your car stalls while passing through water, get out of the car and onto the roof and call 911 for help. Get to dry land if you can reach it safely and wait there for help, if it’s not safe to walk to dry land then stay on your car’s roof and wait for help. Remember to drive carefully even on light rain, any amount of water can cause your car to hydroplane and result in an accident.

Do Not Drive During a Dust Storm

A dust storm can severely affect your visibility on the road, if you’re driving and are suddenly in the middle of a cloud of dust, pull over and wait for the storm to pass. Turn off your car, set your emergency brake and emergency lights on and don’t drive until the dust settles. Driving through a dust storm is dangerous, you may not be able to see drivers ahead of you causing a rear-end car crash.

Try to Remain Calm

Driving through adverse weather conditions can feel stressful, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by driving during a storm, try to remain calm, take deep breaths, drive slowly and give yourself extra room between yourself and other vehicles so you feel safer and more in control.

If a negligent driver caused your accident during a monsoon, contact an Arizona attorney to receive compensation for your injuries or car’s damages. You are entitled to compensation even during extreme weather conditions.