You Better Watch Out…

Record Holiday Travel, High Winds and Heavy Rain create Dangerous Intersection

HARTFORD, CT, (December 20, 2018) – On this, the first day of winter, AAA is urging caution, but not because of snow. The concern is heavy rain and high winds coinciding with a record number of holiday travelers, as well as shoppers and commuters, all likely anxious to get where they are going, creating a dangerous intersection.

“One of the most important lessons we teach drivers of all ages is to adjust driving habits for conditions,” says Jennifer Shorette, Director of the AAA Driving School. “If possible, the best case scenario is to postpone travel whenever weather has the potential to compromise safety or - pull over if conditions change along the way”.

Limited visibility, hydroplaning and the potential for flooding are all cause for concern.

AAA offers the following Wet Weather Driving Tips

• Slow Down – At speeds as low as 35 mph, even new tires can still lose some contact with the roadway.
• Increase following distance
• Turn on headlights, day or night – lights should always be on when wipers are on
• Pull over when visibility is limited – drivers should pull over at the first opportunity where it is SAFE to do so
• Avoid using cruise control – when driving in wet weather it is important to be engaged in every aspect of driving
• When Hydroplaning always look and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown! As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car and potentially stall your engine.  Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Turn around; find another way to get to your destinationP. ull over to a safe location if needed.
• Never drive through standing water - No matter how shallow it may appear, water may be concealing downed power lines, be deeper than it appears, or have significant force from flooding, etc.
• Sign up for emergency alerts – alerts are often provided by agencies like the National Weather Service and can help notify you when there is a risk of flooding.
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As always, AAA reminds drivers that preparation is key.

Last year, over the yearend holiday travel period, AAA responded to almost 12,000 calls for help from our members, just in the greater Hartford area alone.

In the event of a breakdown, knowing who you are going to call for assistance and having the necessary items on hand to stay warm and safe while waiting for help to arrive can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major headache.

Before hitting the road, AAA is remind drivers to make sure they have:

• Fully charged cellphone and car charger
• Full tank of gas
• Fully stocked winter emergency kit including: a snowbrush, de-icer, shovel, kitty litter, flashlight with fresh batteries, a bright marker so you can be seen at night, extra coats, blankets, medications, snacks and water – especially when traveling with children or seniors.

AAA members are encouraged to program the AAA Help line and their membership number into their phones.

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