NYSDOT Urges Caution When Driving During Spring Storms

ALBANY, NY (03/30/2010)(readMedia)-- As the latest in a string of coastal storms impacts the state, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) reminds motorists to drive carefully during weather events and be alert for obstacles in the road.

"The Department of Transportation's maintenance staff will do their best to restore mobility when weather causes road closures, but it is imperative that motorists do their part by staying alert and watching for downed trees and power lines and avoiding standing water in the road," NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said. "As always, we will clear debris and repair and reopen our State highways as quickly as possible after spring storms."

Flooding can occur during or after heavy rains or when temperatures rise and accumulated snow melts quickly. High winds often accompany rain storms and can cause power lines and trees to fall into or near the roadway.

NYSDOT provides a free travel information system, 511NY, which offers near real-time travel and road conditions. The service, available by calling 5-1-1 or by visiting www.511NY.org, provides information on lane and road closures, as well as links to transit and air travel schedules and delays. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be especially helpful to travelers during weather events.

NYSDOT offers the following safety tips for driving during and immediately following spring storms:

• Watch for downed power lines and trees;
• Treat dark traffic signals as 4-way stop signs – it's the law;
• Do not drive through standing water. If you see a flooded-out road ahead, turn around and find another route to your destination or get to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside;
• Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don't try it. Water hides dips in the road. Additionally, flooding can scour away the entire road surface and ground beneath, making a section of roadway deeper than anticipated;
• When visibility declines, pull off to a safe area on the shoulder of the road. Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside;
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling;
• If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground;
• Be aware of vehicles around you. High winds are more problematic for drivers of trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, campers, and drivers who are towing trailers;
• Stay in your car during lightning storms. An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
• Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside; and
• Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.

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