Driving can be hazardous at any time, but the dangers can be magnified when heavy rain strikes. 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 & DRIVERS

Heavy rain creates dangerous driving conditions. Commercial motor vehicle companies operating during heavy rain events should review the following important precautions to help avoid storm-related accidents:

Prepare Your Organization

  • Monitor the National Weather Service, radio, internet or television for weather information.

  • 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. Adhere to your electronic device usage policy so drivers are not using cell phones while operating the vehicle.

Prepare Your Drivers

  • Ensure that drivers complete pre-trip vehicle inspections as prescribed by federal regulations, paying particular attention to tires, windshield wipers and headlights.

  • Advise drivers to check news reports, online and weather channels as part of their trip-planning routine, and every hour or two as conditions during heavy rain events can change rapidly. Tornado warnings should be taken very seriously.

  • Recommend drivers allot extra time to reach their destination and have an alternate route plan in place before leaving so they're better prepared in the event conditions require using it; State Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation websites provide up-to the minute information on traffic, road closures and detours.

  • Remind drivers to turn on headlights to improve visibility and follow local and state laws for using headlights when windshield wipers are on.

  • Urge drivers to SLOW DOWN to increase traction and control.

  • Caution drivers to avoid sudden braking that could send their vehicle into a skid or cause hydroplaning.

  • Encourage drivers to add more space around their vehicle to allow sufficient time to slow down or stop on wet, slick road surfaces.

  • Recommend drivers stay in the center of the road as much as possible as water tends to flow outward, and to drive in others' tracks for better traction.

  • Warn drivers to not take chances by driving through standing water or around road blocks or barricades. If they come upon a flooded street, they should take an alternate route.

  • Urge drivers to watch for objects that could potentially blow into the roadway and to avoid downed power lines.

  • Advise drivers that whenever adverse weather impacts safe driving, they should pull over to the nearest safe and legal location, away from trees, power lines or other objects that could fall on their vehicle, until the vehicle can be safely operated (see FMCSR 392.14).

After a heavy rain storm, be very aware that flooded vehicles will find their way into the mainstream used vehicle markets. All vehicles should be thoroughly inspected before being purchased.

 

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