New York summers can inspire unpredictable and severe weather, ranging from heavy rain and thunderstorms to intense heatwaves. These conditions can make driving particularly hazardous. To better ensure your safety and that of others on the road, it’s important to be prepared and exercise caution when wild summer weather is rolling in.
To that end, before heading out, you’ll want to get in the habit of checking the weather forecast. Stay informed about any severe weather alerts or warnings in your area. This will help you plan your route and timing to avoid the worst conditions. Now that weather apps and local news stations provide real-time updates that can be invaluable for your safety, there’s really no excuse to head out without checking the weather, unless you’re traveling in response to an emergency situation.
Once you’re on the road
In adverse weather conditions, it’s important to adjust your driving habits accordingly. Slow down and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you beyond what you would normally, as wet or slippery roads require longer stopping distances. Use your headlights in rain or fog to improve visibility, but avoid using high beams as they can reflect off the moisture in the air and reduce visibility further.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that flash floods can occur suddenly during heavy summer storms, making certain roads impassable. Never attempt to drive through flooded areas, as the water can be deeper than it appears and can quickly disable your vehicle or sweep it away. Turn around and find an alternate route if you encounter flooded roads.
Finally, stay alert to changing road conditions, such as fallen branches, debris or slick surfaces caused by oil mixing with rain. These can pose additional hazards, especially after a dry spell followed by rain. While distracted driving is never a good idea, it’s a particularly terrible one when weather conditions are poor.