It’s expected to be a wet week in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Chances of rain were in the forecast Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday with the threat of flooding in areas receiving especially heavy rainfall.
If you’re planning on traveling on the road, here are some tips to keep you safe, in the case of rain or any flash flooding, according to the American Automobile Association and the Texas Department of Transportation.
- Make sure your car is equipped for the rain. Ensure your tires have enough pressure and your windshield wipers are functioning properly. They may need to be replaced.
- Don’t use cruise control. It’s more likely to lose control of your car when using this feature when it’s raining.
- Slow down and leave ample room between you and the cars in front of you to avoid hydroplaning. The Texas Department of Insurance recommends reducing speed by one-third in wet conditions.
- Drive in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you.
- Avoid hard braking and turning sharply in order to maintain traction on the road.
- Don’t panic if your vehicle starts to skid. Instead, ease off the gas pedal and continue to steer the car in the direction you want to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes.
- Don’t ignore the flooded roadway signs. If you drive around them, you could be fined up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail. Additionally, tampering with signs can cost you up to $1,000 and/or up to two years in jail.
A general rule of thumb for driving in wet weather and flooded areas is to turn around if it doesn’t feel safe. Even six inches of rain can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle.
