How to safely navigate wet roads

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Wet roads can lead to dangerous driving conditions if drivers aren’t careful. Megan Cooper, a AAA Spokeswoman, spoke to FOX13 about best practices drivers need to remember when traveling.

“Just be mindful that you do have to change those driving habits,” said Cooper. “When it’s wet and rainy and the roads are slippery, it may not be safe to drive the speed limit.”

Hydroplaning becomes a concern for drivers. It only takes about a tenth of an inch of water for a person to lose control of their car and cause a crash. Even more water on the road means the risk of flooding and other hazards that drivers may not see. Cooper tells FOX13 that it also doesn’t take much water for a car to get washed off the road. FOX13 meteorologists say all the time: turn around, don’t drown and there’s a big reason.

“You never know if there’s going to be a pothole or any other sort of road debris hidden by that standing water,” said Cooper.

Lastly, when visibility gets low, a lot of drivers tend to turn on their hazard lights. That is illegal in both Tennessee and Arkansas. Mississippi is the only Mid-South state that allows drivers to drive with their hazard lights on. Cooper says it can create confusion for other drivers.

“It’s difficult to tell whether or not that car is on the side of the road, if they’re in a driving lane. Really try to avoid using those hazard lights while you’re driving,” said Cooper.

Also, make sure that you are keeping between two and three car lengths of space between you and the driver in front of you. Cooper tells FOX13 that when the roads are wet, it can sometimes take longer for some drivers to come to a stop. Keeping this advice in mind will help make sure that you are safe on the roads.