Florida is called The Sunshine State, but that’s only because “The Sunshine State, Except for The Daily Afternoon Thunderstorm” was too much of a mouthful. Despite the high amount of sunshine in Florida, it rains a lot; and it’s not a light sprinkle—often it’s an intense torrential downpour. Add in rain from tropical storms and hurricanes, and any given day you have a high probability of some very dicey driving on Florida highways. Every day, Tucker Paving has a slew of drivers delivering heavy machinery and hauling materials in dump trucks on Florida roadways, and their safety is always paramount; we also want all of our other employees to be safe when driving as well! We’re happy to share the guidance we give our drivers to stay safe when driving in the rain.

Tips for Driving in Wet Conditions

 

  1. Plan backup routes. If your normal route passes bodies of water that are likely to spill into roadways, make sure you have a backup route if storms are forecast for the area.
  2. Stay up-to-date on the weather with apps and bad weather notifications. Most weather apps will send out an alert when severe storms and flood warnings are issued.
  3. Heed signs and barriers. If a sign says a road is closed, do not try to proceed.
  4. Don’t try to cross a flooded road. You won’t be able to tell how deep the water is or if the road has washed away. One foot of rushing water is enough to carry away a sedan; two feet is enough for most trucks and SUVs. Aside from the danger, you can also seriously damage your vehicle’s engine.
  5. Keep your vehicle maintained. A downpour on the highway is not the time to realize that your wipers need to be replaced, that your tires are bald, or that your brakes are not in good shape.
  6. Slow down and keep ample distance between vehicles. A wet roadway is much more dangerous than a dry one, and you need to drive accordingly. When driving in rain, you should drive at least 5 mph slower than the posted limit and ensure that your vehicle is at least seven seconds away from the vehicle in front of you. Always be ready to change your speed and following distance depending on the current road conditions.
  7. Turn on your headlights; and use your four-way lights in heavy downpours. This will help you see the road, and it will help other drivers see your vehicle.
  8. If you hydroplane, DON’T slam on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and keep your steering wheel straight.
  9. DON’T use cruise control or your Jake brake (Supplemental Brakes) on wet roads.
  10. Wait it out if necessary. If you feel the driving conditions are unsafe, find a safe place to park and wait until the storm passes.

 

Tucker Paving has three decades in the asphalt and concrete paving industry, and safety has always been our primary concern, no matter the worksite or roadway. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or use our contact form online, to inquire about your next project!