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## Driving in Flood Conditions 

Since 1970, inland flooding has been responsible for 85 percent of deaths associated with tropical weather in North Carolina. Half of these deaths were caused by people driving into known flooded roads. 

Never drive through standing water on a roadway. The water level may be much higher than it appears and it is possible that part of the roadway may be washed away. Take precautions whenever you see water moving across a roadway during or after heavy rains or during flooding conditions. Your vehicle may stall and be swept off the roadway into deeper waters. There have been reports that six inches of fast moving water can sweep a car off the highway and 12 inches of fast moving water can float a car or cause it to turn over. 

## Windshield Wipers/Headlights 

All North Carolina motorists are required to use headlights whenever they are using windshield wipers due to inclement weather. 

## Fog 

## If you must drive during fog: 

• Turn on the low beam headlights; 

• Reduce your driving speed and be alert for tail lights of the vehicle in front of you; and 

• Watch for the vehicles behind you. 

## If you have extreme trouble seeing, you need to: 

• Pull far off the roadway; 

• Stop, secure the vehicle and turn on its emergency flashers; and 

• Leave the vehicle from the passenger side and stay away from the road. 

## Snow and Ice 

Snow and ice make roads very slippery. Hard-packed snow increases the danger of skidding. As you drive, watch for shady spots, bridges and overpasses since these places are often the first to freeze as the temperature drops. If you must drive during a snowstorm, reduce speed, use windshield wipers and turn on the low- beam headlights. It is recommended that you reduce speed by more than half for packed snow and slow to a crawl on ice. Use chains if necessary for better traction, 

## When you are starting or stopping on snowy or icy roads: 

• Increase your speed slowly; 

• Get the “feel of the road” by testing your steering control and the braking friction; 

• Start to move in second gear or higher and release the clutch slowly (for manual shifts); 

• Allow at least three times the normal stopping distance to slow down; 

• (When you stop) keep your foot off the brake and let the engine slow the vehicle; and 

• Maintain extra distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. 

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