Rain, Wet Roads Can Lead to Difficult Driving

Las Cruces is facing the possibility of rain over the next couple of days, and rainy conditions and wet roads can lead to difficult driving conditions.

The Las Cruces Police Department is encouraging motorists to drive with caution and avoid traveling through flooded areas.

The National Weather Service campaign, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” warns motorists and pedestrians to avoid passing through floodwaters. That good advice should be heeded, along with these tips provided by the Las Cruces Police Department:

• When possible, avoid unnecessary travel during rainstorms and immediately after rainfall as roadways can be slick or, in some cases, flooded.
• Motorists should slow down and allow for more travel time when driving in wet weather.
• When coming to a stop, avoid slamming on brakes. Instead, slow down sooner and apply gentle brake pressure.
• Allow for greater distance between vehicles. Normal driving conditions recommend travelling at least three seconds behind vehicles. During wet weather and on slick roads, it is recommended to increase that distance.
• Give larger vehicles, like trucks and buses, more room for stops and turns.
• Avoid making sudden turns or lane changes.
• Drive around puddles as sitting water may be deeper than what it appears.
• Never attempt to drive or walk through flooded arroyos or running water. Even when driving a large vehicle, like a truck or SUV, fast-moving water can easily overcome it.
• Watch for sand, rocks and debris that may have washed onto roadways.
• Drive with headlights on for safety and stay alert to surrounding traffic and changing weather conditions.
• If rain is too heavy or streets are flooded, pull over a safe distance from the roadway – in a parking lot or away from traffic – until weather and driving conditions improve.