CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 2, 2016) – With heavy rain and flooding expected throughout the Carolinas over the next couple days, AAA Carolinas is urging motorists to adhere to local authorities and weather warning and instructions.
Heavy rains from Hurricane Hermine are expected to push through the Carolinas Friday and Saturday.
Flash flood watches were issued for most of Central and Eastern North Carolina from 2 p.m. Friday through 11 a.m. Saturday.
A National Weather Service estimate had coastal plain counties seeing between 6 and 8 inches.
“We can’t stress enough the importance of staying away from flood waters,” saidDave Parsons President and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “Even a foot of water can prove to be dangerous. Be a smart motorist as you travel to your destination this Labor Day Holiday.”
AAA Carolinas warns drivers to be careful on the roads and offers these recommendations:
- Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads.Just a few inches of water can turn your vehicle into a boat, and could put your life, and the lives of those around you, at great risk. There is also a danger of asphyxiation if your tailpipe becomes filled with water.Turn around; find another way to get to your destination. Pull over to a safe location if needed.
- Slow down and increase following distances. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. When it rains, visibility is reduced and braking distances increase.
- Slowing down in the rain also minimizes car repairs.Many motorists try to move fast through puddles, but it’s actually better for your car if you go slowly. Driving fast can force the water to splash up into your car’s undercarriage and cause damage. Your vehicle could suffer electrical problems and other issues caused by water damage – and many of the repairs involve SUV’s because people mistakenly think they are safe to drive through standing water.
- Don’t Drive Distracted. Eliminate as many distractions behind the wheel, such as cell phone use. Put your phones away! Disconnect and Drive.
- Watch out for hydroplaning. No car is immune from hydroplaning on wet surfaces, including four-wheel drive vehicles.
- Alert drivers behind you that you’re slowing with your brake lights. Without anti-lock brakes, squeeze the brakes until they are about to lock up and then release. With anti-lock brakes, use the same move – but don’t pump the brakes, which would work against the operation of the ABS system. Slow down as you approach a pothole.
- Buckle up, slow down, and keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.
AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2 million members and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.