Driving can be hazardous at any time, but the dangers can be magnified when heavy rain strikes. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, hydroplaning, and potential flooding can endanger drivers, passengers, vehicles, and cargo. Learn how to prepare for heavy rain conditions and help protect your vehicles and employees using our motor carrier and driver safety tips below. For further assistance, please contact our Loss Control Department at 800-782-8902 x3805 or safety@lancerinsurance.com.

HEAVY RAIN SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTOR CARRIERS

Heavy rain creates dangerous driving conditions. Commercial motor vehicle companies operating during heavy rain events should review the following important precautions to help minimize risks:

Prepare Your Organization

Prepare Your Vehicles

  • Move any vehicles that are not going to be in service to higher ground if you are in an area prone to flooding. Park vehicles away from trees, power lines, or other objects that could fall on your vehicles.

  • Establish a communication system that requires scheduled contact times with your drivers so they can be updated on conditions. Have a backup communication plan in place in case primary systems fail. Enforce your electronic device usage policy so drivers are not using cell phones while operating the vehicle.

  • Be very aware that after any heavy rainstorm, flooded vehicles will find their way into the mainstream used vehicle markets. All vehicles should be thoroughly inspected before being purchased.

HEAVY RAIN SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS

(Download a printer-friendly version of these tips.)

Heavy rain creates dangerous driving conditions. Drivers can minimize the risks when driving in heavy rain by being extra vigilant and taking the following precautions:

  • Complete a thorough pre-trip vehicle inspection (49 CFR 396.13). Follow federal regulations and ensure that key components like tires, windshield wipers, defroster, and lights are functioning properly. If hauling freight, double check that all loads are secured properly as wet conditions increase the risk of the cargo becoming dislodged or shifting mid transit. Heavy rain may also cause tiedowns and/or tarps to loosen.

  • Pack an emergency kit. Carry essentials such as a cell phone and charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, extra clothing, rain gear, a blanket, non-perishable food, bottled water, and any necessary prescription medications.

  • Plan your route carefully. Identify alternative routes in case of road closures due to flooding and allot extra time to reach your destination. If you use a global positioning system (GPS) or navigation app, make sure that it is designed for commercial motor vehicles and updated with the latest vehicle-specific mapping data.

  • Check the weather forecast as part of your trip-planning routine, and every hour or two throughout your journey as conditions can change rapidly. If extreme weather is predicted along your route, consider postponing your trip to avoid unnecessary risks. High wind alerts and flash flood and tornado warnings should be taken very seriously.

  • Turn on low beam headlights to improve visibility. Follow local and state laws for using headlights when windshield wipers are on.

  • Slow down and increase your following distance in rainy weather. Reducing your speed decreases your stopping distance and the extra space allows for adequate time to react to hazards and offers maximum visibility of what is ahead. Avoid traveling in packs of vehicles, and back off if you are catching up to clusters of traffic.

  • Use gradual movements. Avoid sudden starts, stops, turns, lane changes, or acceleration. These movements can cause your vehicle to skid or lose control on slippery roads.

  • Opt for the middle lane, when possible, as water tends to flow outward. Drive in others' tracks for better traction.

  • Watch for objects that could potentially blow into the roadway. Avoid downed power lines or dangling wires as they may be live.

  • If you come upon a flooded road, take an alternate route! Do not drive through standing water or around barriers that are in place to warn of flooding. The depth of the water is unpredictable, and you cannot be sure of the road's condition beneath it. Be especially cautious at night when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers.

  • Whenever adverse weather impacts safe driving, pull over to the nearest safe and legal location until it is safe to move again (49 CFR 392.14). Park away from trees, power lines or other objects that could fall on your vehicle.

  • After a heavy rainstorm, beware of lingering hazards. Downed power lines, fallen trees, and other debris in the road can still pose driving threats. Be cautious and adjust your driving to match current road conditions, even if the weather appears to have cleared.

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