Following severe flooding in areas of North Carolina and parts of the Palmetto State, AAA Carolinas is urging drivers to make smart decisions behind the wheel.

“Flooding could play a major role in disrupting motorists across the Carolinas in the coming days,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas. “Make sure to be extra vigilant behind the wheel and avoid flooded areas. 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.”

​​​​​​AAA Carolina’s driving tips:

Visibility While Driving: If you can’t see the edges of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance while driving during wet weather, pull off the road as far as you can and wait for the rain to ease up. Make sure to turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers.

Slow Down and Leave Room: Slowing down during wet weather driving can be critical to reducing a car’s chance of hydroplaning, when the tires rise up on a film of water. Drivers should reduce their speed to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. It is important for motorists to allow ample stopping distance between cars by increasing the following distance of the vehicle in front of them.

Avoid Cruise Control: Never use cruise control in wet conditions. The chances of losing control of your vehicle greatly increase.

Responding to a Skid: Even the most careful drivers can experience skids. If a driver feels their car is about to skid, don’t panic and follow these basic steps:

–          Continue to look and steer in the direction the driver wants the car to go
–          Avoid slamming on the brakes to maintain control.

Avoid Standing Water and Flooded Roads at All Times: There is no way to tell how deep standing water is on a flooded road and driving through it can be very dangerous. Flooded roads can cause a vehicle to stall and result in severe damage to the vehicle from:

–          Flooding the engine
–          Warping brake rotors
–          Loss of power steering
–          Short in electrical components

If Your Vehicle Stalls in a Flooded Area:

–          DO NOT remain in the car.
–          Abandon your vehicle as soon as possible and seek higher ground. Flood waters can elevate quickly, sweeping away the vehicle and its occupants.